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
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
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
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:
| Name | Country | Producer | Medal |
| Madrecuishe Mezcal | Mexico | Koch Group | Gold |
| Mezcal Colores Tóbala | Mexico | Mezcolatra | Gold |
| Corte Vetusto Tobala | Mexico | Black Sheep Spirits Limited | Gold |
| Mezcal Colores Tepeztate | Mexico | Mezcolatra | Gold |
| Tepeztate Mezcal | Mexico | Koch Group | Silver |
| Los Vecinos Del Campo Espadin Mezcal | Mexico | Casa San Matias | Silver |
| Los Vecinos Del Campo Ensamble No. 1 Mezcal | Mexico | Casa San Matias | Silver |
| Mezcal Colores Espadin | Mexico | Mezcolatra | Silver |
| Corte Vetusto Ensamble 2 | Mexico | Black Sheep Spirits Limited | Silver |
| Los Vecinos Del Campo Tobala Mezcal | Mexico | Casa San Matias | Silver |
| Joven Mezcal | Mexico | Mezcal San Cosme | Bronze |
| Señorío Reposado Mezcal | Mexico | Casa Armando Guillermo Prieto | Bronze |
| Recuerdo De Oaxaca Blanco Mezcal | Mexico | Casa Armando Guillermo Prieto | Bronze |
| Señorío Joven Mezcal | Mexico | Casa Armando Guillermo Prieto | Bronze |
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.