These Are The Four Best Mezcals In The World According To The 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition

These Are The Four Best Mezcals In The World According To The 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition

Mezcals are only getting better, according to the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition. At last year’s edition of the annual competition, only one of the agave-based spirits was awarded a gold medal, but this year’s, four different bottlings took home the honor. While no Outstanding Golds were given out, the growth in quality across the category is exceptional.

Here Are The Four Top Rated Mezcals From The 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition

Koch Group Madrecuishe Mezcal - The Four Best Mezcals In The World According To The 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition

Koch Group Madrecuishe Mezcal

Receiving a score of 96/100, the Koch Group Madrecuishe Mezcal was praised by judges as possessing “Expressive aromas of Pina Colada, vanilla, chocolate and white pepper. An enchanting floral burst on the palate is soon followed by a flavoursome deluge of salted chocolate, ripening plums and creamy caramel. A concluding lift of menthol prolongs the finish.”

Mezcolatra Mezcal Colores Tóbala

Mezcolatra Mezcal Colores Tóbala

Scoring a 95/100, judges noted the Mezcolatra Mezcal Colores Tóbala is “Rich and intense with balanced aromas of smoke, wood and clay. Focused flavours of rustic fruit and wild mint offer a superlatively bright prolonged finish. Elegantly textured and absolutely awesome.”

Mezcolatra Mezcal Colores Tepeztate

Rated a 95/100, the Mezcolatra Mezcal Colores Tepeztate is “Bursting with fresh tropical notes and spices. The delectable summery tang of bell peppers, thyme, fennel, coriander and mint radiate beautifully upon the tongue, preparing the palate for a super driven finish of pineapple and vanilla bean.”

Black Sheep Spirits Limited Corte Vetusto Tobala

Black Sheep Spirits Limited Corte Vetusto Tobala

Receiving a score of 95/100, the Black Sheep Spirits Limited Corte Vetusto Tobala features “A sensory overload of herbs, freshly cut grass, spice and clay pots entice the nose with expressive abandon. Rich creamy vanilla washes over the palate before melting into an enduring and gorgeous zesty finish.”

Check out a complete list of medal-winning Mezcals from the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition below:

NameCountryProducerMedal
Madrecuishe MezcalMexicoKoch GroupGold
Mezcal Colores TóbalaMexicoMezcolatraGold
Corte Vetusto TobalaMexicoBlack Sheep Spirits LimitedGold
Mezcal Colores TepeztateMexicoMezcolatraGold
Tepeztate MezcalMexicoKoch GroupSilver
Los Vecinos Del Campo Espadin MezcalMexicoCasa San MatiasSilver
Los Vecinos Del Campo Ensamble No. 1 MezcalMexicoCasa San MatiasSilver
Mezcal Colores EspadinMexicoMezcolatraSilver
Corte Vetusto Ensamble 2MexicoBlack Sheep Spirits LimitedSilver
Los Vecinos Del Campo Tobala MezcalMexicoCasa San MatiasSilver
Joven MezcalMexicoMezcal San CosmeBronze
Señorío Reposado MezcalMexicoCasa Armando Guillermo PrietoBronze
Recuerdo De Oaxaca Blanco MezcalMexicoCasa Armando Guillermo PrietoBronze
Señorío Joven MezcalMexicoCasa Armando Guillermo PrietoBronze

Elsewhere at the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition, High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey was rated the top Rye Whiskey, receiving an Outstanding Gold and scored 99/100. Maison Prunier Tres Vieille Grande Champagne Cognac, meanwhile, was awarded an Outstanding Gold and rated the top Cognac with a score of 98/100. Château du Breuil Calvados Pays D’Auge 15 Ans was rated the best Calvados at the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition and scored a 99/100, winning an Outstanding Gold. Filliers Barrel Aged Genever 8 Years Old was ranked the world’s top Genever.

Eight Gins, meanwhile, were awarded Outstanding Gold medals. While 10 Vodkas were also given the contest’s highest prize, along with 8 Liqueurs. Nine Rums scored 96 out of 100, the top ranking in the category.

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