The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) has named the world’s best tequila and mezcal for 2024. The Tequila Trophy was awarded to 1800 Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila, and the Mezcal Trophy went to Pensador Espadín Artesanal Mezcal.
1800 Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila
Introduced in 1975 by the Beckmann family, owners of Jose Cuervo, 1800 Tequila is named after the year tequila was first aged in oak casks. This brand is renowned for its high-quality tequilas made from 100% blue Weber agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico. The ultra-premium Milenio Extra Añejo is aged for at least three years in American and French oak barrels, with a short finish in French oak Cognac barrels, adding complexity and elegance.
Tasting Notes:
– Aroma: Dried orchard and stone fruits, roasted agave, hints of vanilla.
– Palate: Rich and velvety with flavors of caramel, toffee, apple, fig, apricot, and a blend of spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
– Finish: Long, smooth, slightly dry with notes of toasted oak, agave sweetness, and warm spice.
The IWSC Judging Panel praised it for its luscious stone fruit and red apple aromas, harmonious blend of alcohol and sweetness, and deep mouthfeel with a lingering spice-driven finish.
Pensador Espadín Artesanal Mezcal
Pensador Espadín Artesanal Mezcal, produced in small batches in Oaxaca, Mexico, won the Mezcal Spirits Trophy. This mezcal is crafted using traditional methods from Espadín agave, known for its high sugar content and relatively short maturation period of 7 to 9 years.
Tasting Notes:
– Aroma: Smokiness, fresh green agave, tropical fruits like pineapple, citrus zest, mild earthiness, and floral undertones.
Both of these spirits highlight the dedication to craftsmanship and quality in their production, making them standouts in their respective categories.
On the palate, the mezcal is both smooth and robust. It offers a pronounced burst of citrus followed by sweet, roasted agave flavors. The smoky notes are prominent but not overwhelming, striking a good balance between the natural sweetness of the agave and the flavors from the roasting process. Herbal and peppery elements, typical of mezcal, add complexity to each sip.
The finish is long and smooth, with lingering smoke, mild pepper spice, and a slightly mineral aftertaste. The natural sweetness of the agave shines through as the smoke fades.
Pensador Espadín is celebrated for its artisanal quality, delivering an authentic mezcal experience that balances the smoky and sweet flavors characteristic of the Espadín agave. It can be enjoyed neat, allowing its complexity to shine, or as part of mezcal-based cocktails.
Source: Forbes
