India’s ‘first’ aged agave spirit lands in UK
Maya Pistola Agavepura, India’s ‘first’ aged 100% agave spirit, has launched in the UK via The Whisky Exchange and The Whisky Exchange Trade.
The brand claims that agave was transplanted from Mexico to India by Queen Victoria, who used the plants to fence railway tracks, preventing cows from wandering onto the lines.
The wild agave Americana flourished in the Deccan Plateau’s arid climate, and the plant today forms the backbone of Maya Pistola Agavepura’s spirit.
Maya Pistola is double-distilled in part-copper pot stills in Goa, before being aged in virgin American oak, ex-Bourbon and ex-red wine casks.
Dhariwal founded the brand in 2021, however a fire destroyed its original distillery. The team rebuilt and relaunched in Goa the following year.
The brand’s founder, Rakshay Dhariwal, said: “We are excited to not only launch the award-winning Maya Pistola in the UK, but also create a cornerstone for a brand-new category in the global spirits market, Agavepura.
“Maya Pistola is not just another agave spirit; it is a declaration of purity and provenance, crafted on the highlands of the Deccan Plateau in India to be both 100% agave and additive-free – the hallmarks of the agavepura category.
“Our unique commitment to authenticity is what delivers Maya Pistola’s signature quality and smoothness, earning us a global cult following and critical acclaim. We are incredibly proud to partner with Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange to create a new category of premium agave that will redefine the future of agave spirits.”
Diageo’s United Spirits arm purchased a minority stake in Maya Pistola’s producer, Inspired Hospitality, in April 2024.
Maya Pistola Agavepura Extra Añejo won Gold at The Asian Spirits Masters 2025.
The brand’s Joven expression will retail for £31.95 (US$42) for a 700ml bottle, while its reposado will retail for £34.95 (US$46). On the upper end, its añejo is priced at £39.95 (US$53) and its extra añejo at £63.95 (US$84).
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