Celebrating Excellence: The 2026 Agavos Awards Winners
Celebrating Excellence: The 2026 Agavos Awards Winners
The results are in, and the standards at this year's Agavos Awards were higher than ever. To give you an idea of the rigor involved, every entry is scored out of 100, and this year, no single spirit climbed higher than a 96. That exceptional mark represents the absolute peak of craftsmanship in the current landscape.
We are thrilled to share that many of the top-tier bottles recognized by the judges are available right here on our shelves.
The Best of the Best
Two standout spirits shared the highest honor of the competition, both pulling in that elusive 96-point score:
Best in Class Tequila: Lost Lore Tequila Valley Blanco Hailing from a legendary producer in Arandas, this Blanco is a masterclass in Lowland Jalisco terroir. It delivers those classic regional notes—deeply vegetal with high minerality—finishing with a beautiful balance of salt and sweetness.
Best in Show Mezcal: Aguerrido “Cupreata” Vicencio y Gabina Capón 2 Años A rare gem from Guerrero rather than the traditional Oaxaca, this 47.5% ABV expression is truly something special. The "Capón" method and two years of patience have created a profile that the judges found unparalleled this year.
Double Gold and Gold Winners
Earning a Double Gold is a testament to consistency and quality. We are proud to carry an extensive selection of this year’s honorees. Whether you are looking for a high-proof pour or a sophisticated finish, these bottles represent the gold standard:
- Lost Lore: High Proof Reposado
- Aguerrido: (Best in Show Mezcal)
- Cascahuín & Wild Common: Foundations of additive-free excellence.
- Tepeztate & Rare Ensembles: Featuring Real Minero, Don Amado, and Bozal (Cenizo & Chino Verde).
- Michoacán Traditions: Palomas Mensajeras and Campanilla.
- Modern Classics: Ocho (Plata and Reposado), Mijenta (Symphony 2), and Cazcanes.
- Unique Expressions: Alma del Jaguar, Ensueño, Cambio, Legado (Still Strength), and Calave.
Congratulations to all the makers and distillers who continue to push the boundaries of what agave spirits can be.
Stop by the shop to explore these award-winning profiles and find out for yourself what a 96-point spirit actually tastes like.