Some Of The World’s Best Tequila, Mezcal And Sotol—According To San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Tequila is one of the world’s most popular spirits, and mezcal and sotol have been increasing in popularity in recent years. At this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, more than 1200 spirits overall were submitted. Judges at the competition, which is one of the world’s best-known and most prestigious, tasted spirits blind. One of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a spirit at the competition is the double gold medal. This is only awarded to spirits when every judge on the tasting panel agrees it should win a gold medal. Here I take a closer look at select double gold medal tequila, mezcal and sotol winners from this year’s competition that also happen to be among my favorite spirits. Here’s a closer look at some of the best tequila, mezcal and sotol you can find anywhere.

Don Fulano Tequila Reposado, $69.59

Don Fulano is an impressive tequila brand across expressions: the Don Fulano Imperial also took home double gold at this year’s competition, and last year the Blanco Fuerte took home the Best in Class award. The reposado is a current favorite of mine, with the aging process mellowing out certain flavors in the tequila, making it smoother, and enhancing spice notes.

Tequila Volcan de mi Tierra Blanco, $55

Founded as a joint venture between Mexico’s Gallardo family and Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) the Volcan de mi Tierra tequila brand left the judges at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Awards impressed. Both the blanco and reposado expressions earned double gold. I’ve also been impressed with this tequila and have been particularly drawn to the blanco for its agave-forward taste.

Madre Mezcal Ensamble, $49.99

The perfect introduction to mezcal, Madre Ensemble is less smoky than most mezcals, and that lets the complexity of the agave used to make it really shine through. The mezcal is made with all traditional methods and fermented with airborne yeast. The finished product wonderfully combines the flavors of Espadin and Cuishe agave.

Del Maguey Tobala Single Village Mezcal, $137

Del Maguey introduced me and many others to mezcal. This offering demonstrates the brand at the height of its skill. Known as “the wild mountain mezcal” this is made with Tobala agave. I love its smoothness as well as its enchanting notes of fruit and spice. It’s a high-quality mezcal from a classic producer.

Catedral de mi Padre Mexicano, $99

The Catedral di mi Padre brand is dedicated to preserving traditional farming and mezcal methods of production. That shows in this expression, which is designed to showcase herbal and earthy flavors over smoke and accomplishes that feat admirably. It’s a great bottle of which mezcal fans should take note.

Acronimo Sotol Blanco, $47.99

If you’re looking for an introduction to Sotol—the traditional Mexican spirit made from the Dasylirion plant—look no further than this spirit. More intense and complex than a tequila but less in your face than many mezcals, Acronimo Sotol always provides a wonderful drinking experience.