Seven tequilas earn top honors at 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition

The 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) has announced its top honors for tequila, awarding seven bottles the prestigious Gold Outstanding medal. These tequilas, each scoring 98 points or higher out of 100, are now in contention for the IWSC’s coveted Tequila Trophy, which will be awarded later this year. The competition, held annually in London, is recognized as one of the most rigorous and respected spirits contests worldwide. Its blind tasting panels are made up of industry experts, including master distillers, sommeliers, and beverage journalists.

Tequila’s rise in global popularity has been dramatic in recent years. In 2023, it surpassed whiskey to become the second most consumed spirit by volume in the United States, trailing only vodka. This surge has led to a wave of new brands and expressions entering both American and international markets. The IWSC’s recognition is seen as a significant endorsement for producers seeking to stand out in an increasingly crowded field.

Among this year’s Gold Outstanding winners is Tequila Cascahuín Blanco, produced by a family-run distillery in El Arenal, Jalisco. The brand has maintained traditional production methods for three generations, including masonry oven cooking of agave. Judges praised its delicate agave aromas and a palate that builds with fresh pepper and cooked agave notes, finishing with green vegetal flavors and spice.

Tanteo Tequila Blanco also received top marks. Known for its spicy infusions, Tanteo’s core Blanco is crafted from 100% blue Weber agave using slow roasting in brick ovens and small-batch distillation. Judges highlighted its vibrant aroma profile of agave, white pepper, leather, and grass, with a palate featuring floral nuances and a warm citrus-herb finish.

Campo Azul 1940 Reposado Tequila comes from Productos Finos de Agave Distillery. The “1940” refers to the birth year of founder Don Ricardo Lopez. This reposado is made from mature agaves cooked in clay ovens and aged six months in American white oak barrels. Judges noted its inviting nose of agave and herbs, a palate with sweet marzipan and spice, and a long finish with olive and capsicum.

Sierra Blanco Tequila stands out for its global reach, especially in Europe. While not intended for extended sipping, it is valued for its consistency and mixability. Judges described fragrant notes of smoky barbecue meat alongside blue cheese and pineapple on the nose, with earthy flavors on the palate brightened by herbal sweetness and a spicy finish.

Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila is produced by Casa Marengo in El Arenal. Founded to honor the poetic legacy of Ricardo Grijalva de Leon, this tequila uses 7-year-old agave roasted in masonry ovens before aging ten months in ex-bourbon barrels. Judges found herbal and grassy tones on the nose with pickled gherkin and pepperoni; the palate offered vibrant fruit supported by herbaceous depth and subtle wood.

Lagrimas “la Loma” Reposado Tequila explores terroir through single-ranch bottlings. Produced by Altamar Brands with the Rosales family of Cascahuín, La Loma is their first release from Michoacán. It rested three months before bottling as a limited edition. Judges cited delicate cooked agave aromas balanced by grassy character; curry leaves and dried oregano appeared on the palate with gentle wood undertones.

Ocho Añejo Tequila was also recognized for its pioneering approach to single estate vintage tequila. Created by Carlos Camarena and Tomas Estes, each Ocho expression comes from a specific field and harvest year. The añejo is aged over a year; judges described orange leaves, sweet grass, spice, vanilla, and a long cigar-like finish.

The IWSC’s annual results are closely watched by both industry professionals and consumers seeking quality assurance amid tequila’s rapid growth. The seven finalists represent diverse styles—from unaged blancos to aged añejos—and showcase both traditional craftsmanship and innovative approaches within Mexico’s tequila industry. The winner of the 2025 Tequila Trophy will be announced at the IWSC awards ceremony later this year in London.