Scotland to host Tequila and mezcal festival

Glasgow is set to host Copita, Scotland’s ‘first’ festival dedicated to Tequila and mezcal, in April 2023.

The inaugural event will take place on Saturday 29 April at the Victorian market hall of The Briggaint in Glasgow.

The one-day event will play host to hundreds of fans of the artisanal spirits of Mexico, catering to both devotees and newcomers of agave spirits.

“Copita is here to celebrate the craft of these important artisanal drinks,” said festival co-founder Colin Campbell.

“Agave spirits are to Mexico what whisky is to Scotland – not just a national drink, but a collection of wildly different spirits produced by traditional processes, entwined irrevocably with the folk history and culture of its nation.

“The interest in mezcal and Tequila from the Scottish public is at an all-time high, with many curious to explore the drinks further than it is possible to at home, or at a bar, without a well-lined purse.

“We can’t wait to bring this great celebration of the spirits of Mexico to the people of Glasgow.”

Guests will be able to sample more than 50 different agave-based spirits, while chatting with brand ambassadors who will be on hand to offer their expert knowledge in the field.

Brands currently confirmed include Tapatio, Ilegal, Ocho, Quiquiriqui, Los Siete Misterios, Ojo de Dios, La Higuera Sotol, Ojo de Tigre, El Sueno, and Nixta.

More brands will be teased to the public in the run up to the event, along with food and craft stalls.

There is no token system and no extra charge to sample any of the spirits on offer.

In addition, a team of bartenders from Glasgow’s best drinking dens will be mixing exclusive serves from a pop-up mezcal and Tequila cocktail bar on the day.

A discounted bottle shop operating in the venue for the day by Drinkmonger will allow attendees to take home bottles of anything that particularly piqued their interest on the tasting floor.

Tickets to the festival are priced at £35 (US$42.61) each, and include access to one of two sessions (12pm-3.30pm or 4.15pm-7.45pm BST); a clay tasting copita to use at the festival and take home afterwards; unlimited access to the tasting floor; one free cocktail or craft beer from the bar; two £5 (US$6) discount vouchers for the onsite shop; the opportunity to access in-depth masterclasses (additional charges may apply).

Earlier this week it was revealed that Tequila sales have overtaken American whiskey in the US.