What ’ s hotter than tequila and mezcal ? These two categories both caught fire in 2020 as more consumers grasped the high quality and mixability of both spirits . Especially as so many people mixed cocktails while sheltering at home .

Speaking of the pandemic , the 11th Annual New York International Spirits Competition , a partner competition of Cheers @ Home , successfully went digital in 2020 . Judges sipped and rated numerous spirits samples — delivered ahead of time — from the safety of their own residences . Below , we share results from the agave category , highlighting tequilas and mezcals that won double gold , gold and silver medals .

Judges for the New York International Spirits Competition are trade professionals — retailers , bartenders , buyers , etc .— who blind-taste products based on price tiers . These reviews and ratings recognize spirits that represent both quality and value .

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

Caifino Tequila Anejo ( Califino ). The Luna family recipe uses blue weber agave aged in their lightly toasted barrels to give the anejo a golden amber color . When you raise your glass , caramel and hints of vanilla fill your nose . It lies full in the mouth , with a deep oaky balanced finish .

Cierto Tequila Reserve Collection Extra Anejo ( Cierto Tequila ). Cierto sources its agave from the mature highlands of Jalisco . The deep golden color comes from aging in dark European oak barrels for nine years . Hints of tobacco and vanilla fill the nose and the mouth with a warm , layered finish .

Cutwater Spirits Tequila Blanco ( Cutwater Spirits ). Using 100 % blue agave , slow cooked in brick ovens , then open-air fermented in Jalisco . The cooked agave with hints of pepper enchants the nose , as vanilla appears on

the edges of your tongue . It has a smoother finish than one would expect for a blanco .

Tequila Bribbon Reposado ( Taub Family Co .). From one of the top three tequila families in Mexico who have been making tequila since 1924 . The light color shows the time in the barrel , with hints of oak and nuts in the nose . It lies light when in the mouth , with hints of vanilla and dried fruit , before its soft ending as it travels down your throat .

Vamanos Riendo Mezcal ( Good Spirits Ventures ). A unique , triple-distilled mezcal inspired by a pechuga style that is normally poured at special events . It starts with an exciting medley of smoke and fruit to the nose . The balanced citrus flavor with mint is discovered in the mouth and ends with a velvety smooth finish .

GOLD MEDAL

4 Copas Tequila Anejo ( Preiss Imports ). A 100 % organic — and kosher — tequila from Master Distiller Sebastian Melendez . Aged in American oak barrels , its nose is a fine medley of dry fruit and soft flowers . When in the mouth , soft layered sweet flavors coat the tongue with a balanced soft sweet finish .

Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila ( Campari ). A Sammy Hagar creation , a full blanco agave tequila using 100 % weber blue agave . The cooked agave is present when nosed and continues when in your mouth . Light

18 | SPRING 2021 • CHEERS @ HOME