Results time: The Tequila & Mezcal Masters 2026
While the popularity of certain spirits may be waning, Tequila and mezcal are going strong, with good reason, as our competition shows.
The growth of Tequila and mezcal in the US, its biggest market, may have slowed but there is still opportunity for agave spirits worldwide. Some drinkers may still be discovering Tequila through their favourite cocktails or twists on established serves, and brands are increasingly ramping up their marketing efforts to attract consumers seeking spirits that are distinct and evoke a sense of place.
Data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the US shows that drinkers in the States continue to be captivated by the category. In 2025, 32.1 million nine-litre cases of Tequila and mezcal were sold in the US, with the categories’ volumes soaring by 301% since 2003. The 2025 data remains broadly the same as the previous year’s, but most spirits categories are in decline, so agave’s ability to maintain this figure is impressive. There is still some way to go for the category to usurp vodka (72.5m nine-litre cases were sold in the US last year), but it has overtaken the country’s national spirit, American whiskey, in recent years.
Oversaturation and a lack of education and transparency remain the main challenges for the category, but there is still excitement around what agave spirits offer. With numerous new entrants, The Spirits Business set out to find out which agave-based products are worthy of their price points in this year’s Tequila & Mezcal Masters.
Held at The Singer Tavern in London, the first group was chaired by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business and chair of The Global Spirits Masters Competitions (GSMC). She was joined by: freelance spirits writer Clinton Cawood; Vicky Ilankovan, executive director of Equal Measures UK; Emily Webster, senior PR and communications manager at The Whisky Exchange; and Matt Chambers, co-founder of Whisky For Everyone. The second panel included: Elise Craft, co-host of Whisky Squad; Anne Jones, director of Limestone & Jones; Karen Taylor, co-founder of Whisky For Everyone; and Ruchira Neotia, drinks consultant and founder of Ruchira’s Table.
The competition’s first round was quick to blow the judges away, with a Master awarded to Augusto Tequila Joven in the 100% Agave Tequila – Ultra-Premium Joven flight. Taylor described it as “really well balanced, with levels of spice, citrus and sweetness. Lovely long finish that is drying and moreish.”
After Joven came the first set of blancos, starting with the premium contingent, priced between £21 and £30. A trio of Golds were awarded, including one to El Jimador Silver and the second to Tres Agaves Organic Blanco Tequila. The former was enjoyed for its “green, peppery nose, green peppers – fresh, savoury, and lightly sweet”. Casa Azul Orgánico Tequila Blanco completed the Gold run.
Three Golds were also discovered in the super-premium blanco flight (£31-£40). Corzo Tequila Blanco had an “initial hit of seaweed salinity that opens to flowering fruit trees and cut agave”, while fellow Gold winner Madre Tequila Blanco was enjoyed for its “dark chocolate aromas, mocha and Espresso Martini notes with a little pickle savouriness”. Of Casa Vallejo’s Tequila Blanco Premium Gold medallist, Kiely said: “Lots of cooked agave on the nose, a little spice, and some pithy lime. Creamy texture.”
The second Master of the day was dished out to El Tequileño Still Strength in the Ultra-Premium Blanco heat (£41 and above). Ilankovan was full of praise: “Caramelised agave nose with citrus oils, a touch of dry corn, and a tiny bit of white pepper. Lovely cooked-agave character on the palate quickly followed by white and black pepper, orange peel and pomelo.”
Six Golds were also awarded, including one to Don Levi Tequila, which had a “delicious, smooth, lightly vanilla and floral finish”, and another to Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM Tequila Blanco, noted for its “smooth palate, sweetness and agave character”. A Gold was also given to Herradura Blanco, which had a “lovely balance of rich fruitiness, bell pepper and freshly ground black pepper spice”.
The panels progressed to reposado Tequilas, where a Silver was given to Sierra Tequila Reposado in a tasting of standard expressions priced at £20 and under.
From there, judges tried several premium reposados (at a price bracket of £21-£30), where three Gold winners were found.
The first Gold went to El Tequileño Reposado, lauded for its “briney character” and flavours of “cooked agave, green pepper, and a hint of nuttiness”. The second Gold winner was Herradura Reposado, which had “cooked fresh plantain, caramelised agave, Bourbon and a welcome salinity on the finish”.
Also joining the Gold ranks was Casa Azul Orgánico Tequila Reposado, enjoyed for its notes of “honey, vanilla and sweet orchard fruits”. Three Silvers concluded the flight.
The high standard continued into the super-premium reposado heat where Olmeca Gold and Tres Agaves Organic Reposado Tequila walked away with Gold medals. The Olmeca product was praised for being “lovely and refreshing and so very on trend with the slightly lower ABV [35%] – excellent value for an under-£40 product”.
The last part of the reposado portion took the quality up a notch with one brand taking the top accolade. El Tequileño won its second Master of the day, this time for its Sassenach Select Tequila. Taylor said: “Agave zest meets vanilla paste in a delightful way. Lots of burnt-sugar bitterness with baked apples and zesty pickled citrus peel.”
Three Golds and one Silver were also awarded, including Golds for Pantalones Organic Tequila Reposado and The Lost Explorer Tequila Reposado. One judge said of the latter: “Cask influence is very evident on the nose in a lovely caramel, oaky way. There’s a slight sweet citrus element on the palate, some creamy caramel, gentle vanilla.”
Summing up the round, Cawood added: “I thought reposado over-delivered, even by the £21-£30 price range I was pleasantly surprised – there was value to be had there.”
Value for money
The panels then progressed to Añejo Tequilas, where a Gold was found in the Standard flight (priced up to £35). El Jimador Añejo was described as “well-made” and good value for money – “rare to see a decent añejo at this price point”, one judge noted.
A pair of Golds followed in the Premium Añejo heat (£36-£50) for Sierra 100% Agave Añejo and Tres Agaves Organic Añejo Tequila. The latter was called a “very elegant Tequila”, with a hint of eucalyptus.
Laelia Añejo was hailed a success in the Super-Premium Añejo round, with judges awarding a Master to the expression from Casa Natima. Neotia noted: “It is so easy to overwhelm the agave with cask ageing, so this is a lesson in perfectly balanced wood ageing and agave-forward Tequila. Honey caramel, roasted nuts, cooked agave, with a core of mineral freshness.” Pantalones scooped a Gold in this round for its añejo Tequila, which was “creamy and soft on palate, very fudgey, with vanilla essence notes”. The final Gold went to Herradura Legend with its “roasted tropical fruits”.
The final añejo flight – Ultra-Premium – saw El Tequileño complete a Master hat trick. The brand’s añejo offering was highly commended by Chambers, who said: “Classic añejo nose, plenty of vanilla, oak spices, pepper and earthy agave aromas, lovely mouthfeel, viscous and silky, some green vegetals and vanilla toffee, warming peppery spice and lovely drying oak tannins.”
It was joined by Gold winner Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM Añejo, praised for its hints of “sponge cake and vanilla toffee”. Neotia reflected on the añejos: “I can see the efforts being made to modernise añejo, they are lighter, brighter, and not overwhelming. However, the best examples still need to demonstrate agave flavours which I didn’t really see today.”
The competition then moved on to flavoured Tequilas, where two Silvers were given to Hacien for its pineapple variant and coffee-flavoured expression.
A duo of Golds were given in the Tequila Liqueur flight for Stock Spirits’ Sierra Lime and Sierra Tropical Chilli expressions. The lime variant was said to be surprisingly “pleasant – not Tequila-forward but very enjoyable, and accessible”. This marked the end of the Tequila portion of the tasting, with mezcal put into the spotlight next.
Time for mezcal
The first flight, 100% Agave Mezcal – Joven, led to two Golds awarded to Mezcal Campante and Pelo del Perro’s Madrecuishe – Mezcal Artesanal – Joven. The former was said to be “smoky, vegetal, typical herbaceous character with bright, ripe citrus and wood smoke”.
Meanwhile, the 100% Agave Mezcal – Joven – Espadín, saw a similar result. The Gold winners were Pelo del Perro’s Espadín Mezcal Artesanal Joven, described as having a “touch of citrus, melon, Vegemite, and smoke” and Motel Mezcal 100% Espadín Joven, which had “bold peppery spice” and “chargrilled capsicum peppers”.
Next up came a tasting of Mezcal 100% Agave – Blanco – Aged for less than two months, in which two Masters was bestowed upon House of Tequila’s Del Maguey Tobala and Del Maguey Chichicapa. Cawood said of the Chichicapa expression: “Nutty, dry, textured – clay-like. Some fruit emerges after a while, and then some numbing spice as the alcohol arrives towards the finish. A very characterful spirit.”
Craft was a fan of Del Maguey Tobala: “Absolutely wonderful! Layers of complexity that roll seamless one to the other – BBQ pork and fruits on the grill, dressed with a deep green herbaceous mix, fresh citrus and roasted agave.”
A trio of Golds were also given out, with two more for Del Maguey. Las Milpas was enjoyed for its “bright tropical fruits” and a “touch of cacao” while Vida Puebla had a “nice earthiness and peppery spice”. Ending the Gold run was Rosaluna, which would “make a killer Margarita with personality”.
Another Master was found in the next flight, 100% Agave Mezcal – Blanco – Espadín, for Del Suelo. The brand’s Espadín Mezcal impressed Kiely: “Savoury, meaty, smoky – bold and flavoursome mezcal. The ABV is balanced really well at 45%, there’s a slight salinity in there. A brilliant blanco example.”
Three Golds were also awarded in this flight, including one for Mezcal Reina Espadín, which had “poached pear, agave, bit of smoke, touch of salinity and vinegar”.
The next three rounds saw Del Suelo take home two Masters and one Gold. In the Blanco – Tobalá flight, Master winner Del Suelo Tobalá Mezcal garnered high praise from Jones, who said: “Clear ageing influence yet supported by plenty of concentration and smoky charred vegetal notes. Super-smooth palate, long finish, and exceptional balance.”
Its stablemate, Del Suelo Madrecuishe Mezcal, added to the Master tally in the Blanco – Madrecuishe flight. Taylor added: “Fresh green iceberg lettuce and creamy sauce with green bell peppers on the nose. Incredibly characterful. Smoky spiciness with incredible earthiness and guava.”
Meanwhile, Del Suelo’s last medal of the day, a Gold, was given to the “nutty and well-balanced” Liso Mezcal in the 100% Agave Mezcal – Blanco – Liso flight.
The final blanco mezcal flight, Espadín + Cuishe, resulted in a Gold for Madre Mezcal Ensamble. It was described as “very well made” with papaya, agave and cinnamon.
In a tasting of reposado mezcals aged between two and 12 months, Desolas Mezcal Resposado stormed to success. The Master-winning liquid was lauded by Taylor who detected “zesty lemon sherbet sweets, sweet cola and cream soda, lots of stewed green vegetables and toasted nuts”.
Reflecting on the mezcal portion of the tasting, Chambers noted how diverse the category was. “Some were super classic, heavy, smoky, others elegant and delicate, all within the same thing. Fascinating, really great quality.” Casa Fierro Bacanora was worthy of a Gold in the Agave Spirit flight, carrying “charcoal smoke and fresh herbs, but in balance with supportive agave character”.
Sotol – Blanco, technically not an agave spirit, but often grouped in the same spirit sector, was the final flight of the day but proved to be worth the wait. The Master-winning Casa Lotos Sotol Blanco was praised by Webster, who noted: “Nose is earthy and piney with some jalapeño pepper. Wet soil and leather. Palate continues the leather but with a floral sweetness. Finish is earthy and mineral. The flavours feel balanced and progress nicely.”
At the end of the competition, each Master winner is retasted to find the best Tequila and mezcal of the day.
This year’s Tequila Taste Master award was given to El Tequileño Sassenach Select, which was matured in American and French oak. Meanwhile, Del Suelo Espadín Mezcal, crafted in San Luis del Río, was named Mezcal Taste Master 2026.
After the contest, the judges reflected on how distinct each style was, and noted that high quality can be found in every price tier. It’s a category that remains popular among drinkers who may be turning away from sweeter products in favour of some of the more earthy, vegetal and funky flavours that can often be found in agave spirits.
Neotia summed it up: “There was excellent quality across the board. These are personality-forward liquids – fiercely proud of their heritage and a lesson for heritage spirits the world over.”
| 100% Agave Tequila – Ultra-Premium Joven | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Augusto | Augusto Tequila Joven | Master |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Premium Blanco | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Tres Agaves | Tres Agaves Organic Blanco Tequila | Gold |
| Brown-Forman | El Jimador Silver | Gold |
| Casa Azul Spirits | Casa Azul Orgánico Tequila Blanco | Gold |
| El Tequileño | El Tequileño Blanco | Silver |
| I & A Agave Spirits | Socorro Tequila Blanco | Silver |
| Stock Spirits Group | Sierra 100% Agave Blanco | Silver |
| Verdadero Tequila | Verdadero Tequila Blanco | Silver |
| Stock Spirits Group | Sierra Tequila Blanco | Silver |
| House of Tequila | Altos Plata | Silver |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Super-Premium Blanco | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Bacardi USA | Corzo Tequila Blanco | Gold |
| Madre Mezcal | Madre Tequila Blanco | Gold |
| Casa Vallejo | Tequila Blanco Premium | Gold |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Ultra-Premium Blanco | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| El Tequileño | El Tequileño Still Strength | Master |
| Casa Natima | Laelia Blanco | Gold |
| El Tequileño | El Tequileño Platinum | Gold |
| Patrón | Patrón 100 | Gold |
| Brown-Forman | Herradura Blanco | Gold |
| Don Levi Tequila | Don Levi Tequila | Gold |
| Destiladora Del Valle De Tequila | Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM Tequila 100% Blanco | Gold |
| Pantalones Organic Tequila | Pantalones Organic Tequila Blanco | Silver |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Standard Reposado | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Stock Spirits Group | Sierra Tequila Reposado | Silver |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Premium Reposado | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| El Tequileño | El Tequileño Reposado | Gold |
| Brown-Forman | Herradura Reposado | Gold |
| Casa Azul Spirits | Casa Azul Orgánico Tequila Reposado | Gold |
| Stock Spirits Group | Sierra 100% Agave Reposado | Silver |
| Verdadero Tequila | Verdadero Tequila Reposado | Silver |
| House of Tequila | Altos Reposado | Silver |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Super-Premium Reposado | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| House of Tequila | Olmeca Gold | Gold |
| Tres Agaves | Tres Agaves Organic Reposado Tequila | Gold |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Ultra-Premium Reposado | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| El Tequileño | El Tequileño Sassenach Select Tequila | Tequila Taste Master & Master |
| Pantalones Organic Tequila | Pantalones Organic Tequila Reposado | Gold |
| The Lost Explorer Mezcal Company | The Lost Explorer Tequila Reposado | Gold |
| Destiladora Del Valle De Tequila | Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM Tequila 100% Reposado | Gold |
| El Tequileño | El Tequileño Reposado Gran Reserva | Silver |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Standard Añejo | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Brown-Forman | El Jimador Añejo | Gold |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Stock Spirits Group | Sierra 100% Agave Añejo | Gold |
| Tres Agaves | Tres Agaves Organic Añejo Tequila | Gold |
| Verdadero Tequila | Verdadero Tequila Añejo | Silver |
| I & A Agave Spirits | Socorro Tequila Añejo | Silver |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Super-Premium Añejo | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Casa Natima | Laelia Añejo | Master |
| Pantalones Organic Tequila | Pantalones Organic Tequila Añejo | Gold |
| Brown-Forman | Herradura Legend | Gold |
| 100% Agave Tequila – Ultra-Premium Añejo | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| El Tequileño | El Tequileño Añejo | Master |
| Destiladora Del Valle De Tequila | Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM Tequila 100% Añejo | Gold |
| Flavoured Tequila | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Hacien Tequila | Hacien Pineapple Tequila Blanco | Silver |
| Hacien Tequila | Hacien Coffee Tequila Blanco | Silver |
| Tequila Liqueur | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Stock Spirits Group | Sierra Lime | Gold |
| Stock Spirits Group | Sierra Tropical Chilli | Gold |
| 100% Agave Mezcal – Joven | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Mezcal Campante | Mezcal Campante Joven | Gold |
| Pelo del Perro | Madrecuishe – Mezcal Artesanal – Joven | Gold |
| 100% Agave Mezcal – Joven – Espadín | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Pelo del Perro | Espadín – Mezcal Artesanal – Joven | Gold |
| Maneo HK | Motel Mezcal 100% Espadín Joven | Gold |
| 100% Agave Mezcal – Blanco – Aged for less than two months | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| House of Tequila | Del Maguey Chichicapa | Master |
| House of Tequila | Del Maguey Tobalá | Master |
| Liquor Lions | Rosaluna Mezcal | Gold |
| House of Tequila | Del Maguey Las Milpas | Gold |
| House of Tequila | Del Maguey Vida Puebla | Gold |
| Tsunami Mezcal | Tsunami Mezcal | Silver |
| 100% Agave Mezcal – Blanco – Espadín | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Del Suelo | Del Suelo Espadín Mezcal | Mezcal Taste Master and Master |
| Destiladora Del Valle De Tequila | Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM Tequila 100% Espadín Mezcal | Gold |
| Mezcal Reina | Espadín | Gold |
| Madre Mezcal | Madre Mezcal Espadín | Gold |
| 100% Agave Mezcal – Blanco – Tobalá | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Del Suelo | Del Suelo Tobalá Mezcal | Master |
| 100% Agave Mezcal – Blanco – Madrecuishe | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Del Suelo | Del Suelo Madrecuishe Mezcal | Master |
| 100% Agave Mezcal – Blanco – Liso | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Del Suelo | Del Suelo Liso Mezcal | Gold |
| 100% Agave Mezcal – Blanco – Espadín + Cuishe | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Madre Mezcal | Madre Mezcal Ensamble | Gold |
| 100% Agave Mezcal – Reposado – Aged two-12 months | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Desolas Mezcal | Desolas Mezcal Reposado | Master |
| Agave Spirit | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Casa Fierro/Samband | Casa Fierro Bacanora | Gold |
| Sotol – Blanco | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Thompson Beverages | Casa Lotos Sotol Blanco | Master |
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