We kick off our BBAs highlights with the best of the agave spirits session.
In BBA agave spirits judging, it has historically been mezcals that most impress the judges, but this year has bucked that trend. Four of our top five agave spirits are tequilas, including the two best-performing brands.
Moët Hennessy’s Blanco expression of Volcan was this year’s top of the drops and the only brand in the top five to be awarded a gold medal in the blind tasting. Judges noted “liquorice”, “sweet agave” and “pepper on palate”. Together with a “great bottle design”, “back bar appeal” and “great value”, it was deemed the standout performer.
In second place Volcan Blanco’s older brother, the Volcan Reposado, took silvers for taste and value and gold for its “outstanding, “eye catching” design. Completing the podium is a brand that topped last year’s list – Del Maguey Vida Clásico. The Pernod Ricard-owned brand has long been a favourite with bartenders and our panel commended its “complexity on the nose” and “stand-out bottle”.
In fourth place, Vivir Blanco was deemed great bang for buck, taking a gold in the value round. Judges felt the price represented “great value for taste and design”.
And completing the top five was Ocho Blanco, a brand that has recently undergone a redesign that was approved by the panel – a “good new shape that feels progressive”