Today's instalment of the Bartenders' Brand Awards sees the highlights of our agave spirits session.
Del Maguey Vida Classico was the standout in this cross-agave category, scoring gold across taste, design and value for money. With a total of 85/100, it was the 12th highest scoring product across the BBAs.
Judges noted “fruit and sweet smoke on the nose, a buttery mouthfeel” and together with the “distinctive” design, thought it represented “great value”. One judge added it’s “a great liquid and affordable for bars and consumers”.
Completing the podium of top agave spirits were two products from Espolon – Reposado and Blanco which scored identically, taking three silvers across the board.
The Blanco was described as “light, clean and minerally”, while for the Reposado “banana, butter, wood and spice” were among the tasting notes.
With the design getting thumbs up for its functionality and artwork, Espolon was thought of as representing good bang for buck. “It’s good value for a solid house pour product,” said one judge.
Though Volcan Blanco scored a point less overall, it was the second highest scoring agave spirit on taste. Bartenders described it as “floral, with warm spice and a good body”.
BrewDog Distilling Co’s Casa Rayos Tequila Blanco took fifth spot, with a solid silver on taste.