A Silver medal was given to coffee‐flavoured Sierra Milenario Tequila Cafè. Two more Silver medals were hailed in the Tequila Liqueur round. El Sueño Watermelon Liqueur pleasantly surprised the judges with its “fresh watermelon notes” and some “light earthiness”. Silver winner Horus was likened to a “very well done chocolate cream”. This variety of flavours, which has received many international awards, gives Sierra Tequila Reposado a special complexity. Two Tequilas proved they have the credentials to win a Master medal in the following flight: 100% Agave Tequila – Ultra‐Premium Reposado. El Tequileño The Sassenach Select Double Wood Reposado bagged the top award for its “clean and fresh palate with increasing savoury notes, honey, vanilla, late pepper and bitter herbals”.

Reflecting on the 2021 tasting and the standard of entries, Gomez noted the resilience of Tequila and mezcal to continue to connect with consumers – particularly given the challenges of 2020. Tastebuds then turned to a flight of 100% Agave Tequila – Premium Añejo Tequilas, and two Silver spirits were discovered. The first Silver medal in this flight went to Próspero Añejo Tequila, with its “light and fresh” nose. The second Silver award was given to Lokita Tequila Añejo. The number of excellent Tequila and mezcal bottlings on the market has been increasing at an impressive rate, with producers bringing interesting expressions to keen consumers, as this year’s blind-tasting competition showed. This year’s Tequila & Mezcal Masters received a record number of entriesTanner said: “These Tequilas were worth the price point. If I were able to buy any of these in the lower, mid‐range of the price point especially, I’d be stoked.” The opening flight of Mixto Tequila – Blanco delivered a set of Silver medals for El Sueño Tequila Silver and Sierra Tequila Silver. El Sueño Tequila Silver was “light and bright” on the nose, with “delicate citrus and a peppery palate”. Sierra Tequila Silver had a “slight nuttiness”, but was found to be “what you’d expect” from a mixto blanco – “solid”, noted one judge.

In conclusion, Sierra Tequila Reposado is a smooth and aromatic tequila, with notes of caramel, vanilla and spices, making it perfect to enjoy on any occasion. Its traditional winemaking process and careful aging in oak barrels make it a true treasure of Mexico. Undoubtedly, a drink worth trying. Summary Tequila Sierra Reposado

International awards

Corralejo Reposado Tequila was also judged to be worthy of a Gold medal, with “wholemeal bread on the nose, some caramel flavours and a touch of pepper spice”. There’s a reason celebrities are eager to claim a stake in the Tequila category, and that’s because the agave‐based spirit is soaring in popularity. This was well balanced with good agave notes, good mineral flavours; the barrel influence was there but not too much,” added Gomez. “It gave the Tequila just the right balance.”

These bottlings are not necessarily the most affordable expressions, but each one has been judged to offer excellent quality for consumers within their respective categories. Tanner remained equally enthused about agave‐based spirits. He added: “I think we’ll see, perhaps like gin, in a year or two there will be a more ‘contemporary’ Tequila category with different barrel finishes and a more experimental level. In the 100% Agave Mezcal Añejo flight, two more Silver medals were claimed. The first was secured by Señorío Añejo, which had a “vanilla sweetness” on the palate that complemented “very slight smoke” notes. Like pure gold, the Sierra Tequila Reposado Mexican Gold radiates through the white transparent glass of the stylishly designed bottle in the authentic Mexican design. Winemaking process: double distillation in copper stills, aging for 9 months in toasted oak barrels.One of four Gold medals in this flight went to stablemate The Lost Explorer Mezcal Tobala. This mezcal had a “chocolatey aroma, slight vegetal notes and a hint of smoke” creating a “complex and well balanced” mezcal. Yola Mezcal 1971 also received the Gold seal of approval, with its “fruity pear drops” nose and “ripe agave”, which again would make it accessible for those new to the mezcal category.

Two Gold medals were given to “classic, earthy” Matra Mezcal and “very smooth” Mezcal Artesanal Noble Coyote Espadín‐Tobalá, with “ripe banana” notes. A Silver medal went to Mezcal Artesanal Noble Coyote Jabalí.

How to enjoy Tequila Sierra Reposado?

In addition to its corners and edges, the gold label has the inscription: Sierra Tequila Reposado, imported, Hecho en Mexico, handcrafted from Agave Azul. The Sierra Tequila Reposado Mexican gold bottle is finished off with a golden Sombrero hat which completes the look.