Aguamiel Tequila takes away gold and “Tequila of the Year” at the 2019 Bartender Spirits Awards held on May 19 in San Francisco, USA. 

Aguamiel Tequila stands for family, passion, and hard work but furthermore for having the courage to take bold chances in life in order to discover what’s possible. With an ABV of 40%, Aguamiel Tequila has a complex yet delicate nose. Emanating scents of sweet agave are heightened by the aroma of tropical fruit and citrus which are complemented by notes of fresh botanicals and volcanic materials. The mouth of Aguamiel Tequila has a bright agave flavor which introduces light to medium-bodied palate with hints of black pepper and vanilla bean that are enveloped by the sweet nuances of grilled pineapple and lemongrass. The finish is clean and warm with layers of spice, white pepper, and green vegetables.

In 2017, a Canadian trademark was registered for Aguamiel by 209 Stewart group Inc. Founded by Craig Shaw, Aguamiel Tequila gets its name from the sap that runs from the Mexican maguey plant and is believed to have therapeutic properties. 

Finding himself working a job he despised that limited him from spending quality time with family, Craig decided he needed to step back and recalibrate. He was initially drawn to Mexico for the sunshine, beach, surf and large family style dinners but what held his attention upon arrival was the incredible quality of the tequila and how significant it was to the Mexican culture.

Upon meeting with Master Distiller Agustin Sanchez Rodriguez in Jalisco, Mexico, Craig knew he had to share the adventure he experienced in Mexico with the world. A new premium tequila was born. Agustin Sanchez Rodriguez, then crafted Aguamiel with 100% Blue Agave Tequilana Weber handpicked from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Using ancient techniques, each agave plant used to produce Aguamiel Tequila is aged to a minimum of eight years and is then hand selected and cut before its distillation in copper pots and roasted in traditional brick ovens to release its sweet nectar. Double distilled in copper pots using water sourced from the spring of Volcán de Tequila, the heart of the agave is then carefully roasted in traditional brick ovens for two days to release its sweet nectar.

Tequila is a true family business, the farmers having been involved in the industry for generations and the master distillers have 50 to 60 years experience perfecting their craft.

The Bartenders Spirits Awards, organized by the Beverage Trade Network is the leading spirits competition in the USA that rates the spirits with the focus of the bar industry. To evaluate the entrants, the Bartenders Spirits Awards invites Bartenders, On-Premise Buyers and Bar Managers from around the world. These leading spirits experts judge the spirits with the aim to provide independent and honest reviews for brands targeting the US on-premise trade. After the successful event of 2019, the London Wine Competition is back with its 3rd edition. 

To check out other winners, click here.

To know more about the competition, click here.