World’s Best Tequila And Mezcal
World’s Best Tequila And Mezcal – Every year, the American Distilling Institute organizes an International Spirits Competition.
This prestigious event recognizes excellence in craft spirits and is open to U.S. and international distilleries.
Below is a brief background and tasting notes on the “Best of Class” and “Best of Category.”
Tequila and other agave spirits winners from the recently completed 2025 competition.
World’s Best Tequila And Mezcal – Tasting notes on the “Best of Class” and “Best of Category” Tequila and other agave spirits from the recently completed 2025 ADI International Spirits Competition.
World’s Best Tequila And Mezcal – ArteNOM Selección 1123 Blanco 750ML
The Rosales family crafts ArteNOM Selección de 1123 Blanco Histórico at Destilería Cascahuín in El Arenal, Jalisco.
This expression pays homage to early 20th-century Tequila production methods, where Blanco Tequilas were occasionally rested briefly in barrels.
After the traditional production processes, this tequila is conditioned for 21–28 days in brandy casks that previously held Oaxacan mezcal, imparting unique characteristics to the spirit.
The nose features roasted pineapple, warm butter, baking spices, smoked pepper, and cider.
The Tequila is viscous on the palate, exhibiting cinnamon, black pepper, sweet potato, vanilla, licorice, almond, and hardwood smoke flavors.
The finish is long and slightly sweet with lingering pepper and seasoned oak notes.
World’s Best Tequila And Mezcal – Cutwater Spirits Tequila Reposado 40% ABV 750 ml. NOM 1110
Like its Añejo sibling, Cutwater’s Reposado Tequila is made using traditional methods from 100% blue agave by Orendain.
It is then rested in Cutwater whiskey barrels, allowing the rich cooked agave flavor to meld with hints of vanilla and oak.
The nose features cooked and green agave notes, some caramel, hints of vanilla, and seasoned oak.
The palate exhibits sweet notes of cooked agave, barrel wood spices of cinnamon, pepper, and clove, honey, and some vanilla.
The finish is short to medium with lingering spice notes.
Herencia de Plata Tequila Reposado 40% ABV 750 ml. NOM: 1146
Herencia de Plata is produced at the Casa Tequileña distillery in Tequila.
The Reposado expression is aged in oak barrels, balancing the vibrant agave flavors with subtle wood influences.
The Tequila is rich and fruity on the nose, featuring lime, lemon, and pineapple.
The palate showcases vanilla, raisin, and oak spice flavors.
World’s Best Tequila And Mezcal – Terranova Spirits, Tres Cuatro Cinco Extra Añejo Tequila 43.5% ABV, 750 ml. NOM 1146
Tres Cuatro Cinco is an exceptional Extra Añejo Tequila, among the pinnacle of highland super-premium tequilas.
This masterpiece is the brainchild of Enrique Fonseca, a renowned distiller and master blender.
It is meticulously crafted at Distilleria Tequileña in Tequila.
It’s a blend of 30% three-year-aged, 40% four-year-aged, and 30% five-year-aged Extra Añejo tequilas, all aged exclusively in French oak barrels.
The tequila is presented in crystal decanters, each designed, signed, and numbered by iconic Mexico City artist Alonso Gonzalez Jr.
The Tequila is rich and aromatic on the nose, featuring milk chocolate, caramel, seasoned oak, and black pepper. It’s complex on the palate, exhibiting chocolate, caramel, oak, and pepper flavors, with subtle fruity and coffee hints.
The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of oak and spice.
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