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Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Top Mezcal, According To The Beverage Testing Institute
A selection of bottles of fine mezcal from a range of Mexican producers are displayed for sale at Benito Juarez market in Oaxaca, Mexico on February 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Omar TORRES (Photo credit should read OMAR TORRES/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Nine mezcals were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Tequila Judging. El Acabo Plata Raicilla was the top-ranked agave spirit and one of only two Platinum medal winners in the category. Tres Papalote Cupreata Blanco was the highest-rated mezcal. Below is a brief background on each of the gold medalists, along with the official BevTest tasting notes on the Tequilas. Score: 95 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Produced in Guerrero, Tres Papalote uses 100% wild Cupreata agave. This mezcal is crafted in traditional pit ovens and produced using artisanal techniques. The official BevTest Tasting Panel described the Mezcal as featuring aromas of 'cookie dough, green pozole, and crushed rocks accompanied by flavors of watermelon with tajin, crab boil, and fresh hops. A journey of flavors from sweet white corn to curry, hops, watermelon, pork fat, Tajin, exotic spice, and clay - stellar from nose to the super long finish.' Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional A modern, artistic mezcal brand focused on bold flavor and visual appeal. Crafted with espadín agave and contemporary roasting methods in Oaxaca. The official BevTest Tasting Panel described the Mezcal as featuring aromas of 'crushed rock, ruby red grapefruit, and ginger followed by flavors of salted butterscotch toffee, fresh green pepper, and turmeric. Wildly complex and balanced with the perfect amount of smoke to make the best Paloma of your life.' Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Gracias A Dios is a sustainable mezcal brand from Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca. Produced using espadín agave and double distillation in copper stills. The official BevTest Tasting Panel described the Mezcal as featuring aromas of 'cocoa butter, dried chili pepper, and mango skins with flavors of dark, milk chocolate, and shishito pepper. Flavors of floral chocolates explode on the palate with a subtle heat lingering on the finish. Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Produced by maestro mezcalero Emigdio Jarquin in Miahuatlán, Oaxaca. Part of the Mezcal Vago series, known for village-level craft distillations and unfiltered flavor. The official BevTest Tasting Panel described the Mezcal as featuring aromas of 'guava, trail mix, and salted caramel followed by flavors of agave, spearmint, and prickly pear. A salty, floral treat with a creamy body to try on the rocks.' A field of Espadin agave (Agave angustifolia) taken at the mezcal factory Tres Colibries in Villa Sola de Vega, Oaxaca State, Mexico, on July 26, 2022. - (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP) (Photo by PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Another expression from Mezcal Vago, distilled by Joel Barriga and known for bold, smoky mezcals with unique character and robust proof. The official BevTest Tasting Panel described the Mezcal as featuring aromas of masa, bear claw donuts, and smoked tea, accompanied by flavors of salted caramel, wet slate, and lemongrass. Warm and satisfying, carrying the high proof beautifully, managing the smoke perfectly like conversing with an old friend at a campfire.' Score: 91 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Part of the Casamigos line co-founded by George Clooney, this joven mezcal is made with Espadín agave in Oaxaca. The official BevTest Tasting Panel described the Mezcal as featuring aromas of 'agave, prickly pear, and plum with flavors of lime, green pepper, and roasted pineapple. The flavor packs a punch that won't get lost in a cocktail, yet holds itself well to be enjoyed alone.' Score: 90 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Mezcal Vago's Elote expression includes roasted corn added during the second distillation—a flavorful and festive take on traditional Espadín mezcal. The official BevTest Tasting Panel described the Mezcal as featuring aromas of 'crushed rocks, black pepper, and cake sugar with flavors of white birthday cake, spice mix, and green salsa. Active and fun, rich and warming, this mezcal brings a pleasant kick of herbs and pepper.' Score: 90 - Gold Medal–Exceptional An ensemble of various agave species. This mezcal is distilled in clay pot stills, reflecting Oaxaca's ancient production style and earthy complexity. Ensenmble mezcals are fashioned from whichever agave is ready to harvest, hence each batch is different. The official BevTest Tasting Panel described the Mezcal as featuring aromas of 'cinnamon, apple blossom, and walnut shells with flavors of green tea, strawberry mint, and dried leaves. The combination of herbs and fruits balanced with pepper tones from the proof makes this spirit a delight to enjoy neat.' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Pechugas are agave spirits whose vapor is brought into contact with fruits, vegetables, meat, or other organic material during distillation. This expression is an exceptional seasonal mezcal from Salvadores, distilled with fruit, spices, and chicken breast for richness. Infused with marigold (cempasúchil), this is a festive and culinary experience. The official BevTest Tasting Panel described the Mezcal as featuring aromas of 'butter cream, roasted pineapples, and lavender with flavors of sweet baking spices, lemon marmalade, and coriander. Rich and composed, a full dish of a pechuga from start to finish.' A mezcal still at an artisanal mezcal distillery in the valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. (Photo by: Jon G. Fuller/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The top-rated agave spirit was El Acabo Plata Raicilla. It was the highest-scoring agave spirit in the BevTest 2025 judging. Raicilla is a traditional Mexican agave spirit, primarily produced in the western state of Jalisco, particularly in the coastal and mountainous regions outside the Tequila Denomination of Origin. It is made from a variety of wild and cultivated agave species, most commonly Agave maximiliana, Agave lechuguilla, and Agave angustifolia, among others. Unlike Tequila and Mezcal, Raicilla often uses pit or above-ground ovens and filtration through organic materials, resulting in a more floral, fruity, and earthy profile. Recognized with its own Denomination of Origin in 2019, Raicilla showcases the diversity of Mexico's agave spirits with a distinctly regional identity. Score: 97 - Platinum Medal–Superlative El Acabo is a premium raicilla from Jalisco, made from Maximiliana or Lechuguilla agave. Known for intense, wild flavors, it's an artisanal spirit gaining global recognition. The official BevTest Tasting Panel described the Mezcal as featuring aromas of 'sandalwood, wet leather, and browning butter accompanied by flavors of pepper crusted tandoori mango, green papaya-lime-chili, and cumin seared cactus. A culinary journey in a glass keeps getting better with every multi-flavored sip, fruity-dry-fatty-savory all at the same time.' The 2025 BevTest Judging highlighted the enormous diversity of Mexico's agave spirits. Although Tequila still represents the bulk of Mexico's agave spirits, Mezcal is rapidly growing, providing a range of diverse aroma and flavor profiles. In addition, there are a score of regional agave spirits, many of which are relatively unknown outside of Mexico, that are also expanding the aroma and flavor profile of agave spirits. With more than 100 different species of indigenous agave and a distillation tradition dating back centuries, Mexico's incredible diversity of mezcal and other agave spirits awaits exploration.
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Top International Gin, According To The Beverage Testing Institute
Ramsbury Single Estate Gin Six international gin brands were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Gin Judging. Ramsbury Single Estate Gin from England was the top-ranked international gin. As with the US gin judging, the Gold Medal winners were dominated by craft brands. Below are the official tasting notes on BevTest's Top International Gins. Ramsbury is a premium London Dry gin crafted entirely on the Ramsbury Estate in Wiltshire, England. This "field to bottle" approach ensures complete control over every production stage, from cultivating Horatio wheat to distillation and bottling. The estate-grown wheat mash is distilled through a 43-plate copper column still, producing an exceptionally smooth base spirit. The gin incorporates a blend of 14 botanicals, including locally sourced juniper, quince, citrus peels, angelica root, coriander, bitter almond, and cinnamon. The gin is fresh and clean on the nose with a pronounced juniper-forward character, along with pine and fresh citrus notes. Subtle aromas of quince, ripe grapes, and a slight, candied Juicy Fruit gum-like sweetness add complexity. It's smooth and rich on the palate, featuring classic juniper and citrus flavors complemented by woody angelica, bitter almond, and spicy cinnamon. The quince imparts a gentle fruitiness, while hints of orris root and pepper add depth. The finish is long and silky, with lingering spice and delicate floral notes. The BevTest Judging Panel described the gin as featuring: Aromas of spicy fruit cake with hazelnut-pistachio frosting, citrus marmalade on golden raisin toast, and ginger snap. The aromas follow through to the palate along with notes of mango-peach chutney, juniper jelly, and cardamom custard. A powerful, almost bombastic parade of fruit, spice, herb aromas and flavors makes this a memorable gin for the finest cocktails. Ramsbury Single Estate Gin is a versatile spirit that is suitable for various cocktails. Its pronounced juniper character pairs well with Indian tonic water, garnished with a slice of green apple and lime, and makes for an excellent G&T. Its smoothness also makes it an excellent choice for a classic Dry Martini, offering a wide range of delightful cocktail experiences. Ramsbury Gin has received multiple awards, including Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Eden Mill St. Andrews Golf Gin St. Andrews Golf Gin is a limited-edition release from Eden Mill Distillery in St. Andrews, Scotland—the 'Home of Golf.' This gin celebrates the town's golfing heritage and was designed with botanicals inspired by the traditional golf course landscape. Eden Mill, known for being Scotland's first combined brewery and distillery, produces this gin in small batches. The Golf Gin is part of their craft gin range and pays tribute to golf's roots in St. Andrews. The botanicals used include juniper, as the classic base; heather, lavender, and pine needles, evoking the floral and woody scent of golf course roughs. Sea Buckthorn, a signature Scottish botanical, mint, and lemon balm add a refreshing, herbaceous character. The gin is presented in a golf ball-patterned white ceramic bottle, making it collectible and thematic. It's an ideal gift for a golfer! The gin's nose is fresh and fragrant, with floral tones of lavender and heather complemented by crisp pine and a whisper of mint. It's robust and flavorful on the palate, showing classic juniper alongside earthy heather, resinous pine, and a soft citrus sweetness. Subtle mint and lemon balm add a cooling note. The finish is clean and dry with lingering green herbaceousness and a faint maritime salinity. The BevTest Judging Panel described the gin as expressing: Aromas of lavender, medicated balm, and pine blossom. The palate features additional notes of candied lemon peel, fresh cracked juniper on melon, and berry nonpareils. A vivacious, juniper-forward London Dry gin with an earthy, herbaceousness that complements savory cocktails nicely. Enjoyed best in a classic G&T with a sprig of rosemary or mint and a wedge of lemon or served in a Martini with a floral twist. Gin & Tonic with rosemary and cucumber Highclere Castle Gin is an ultra-premium London Dry gin produced at the historic Highclere Castle estate in Hampshire, England, famously known as the filming location of Downton Abbey. Launched in 2019, Highclere Castle Gin is crafted using botanicals grown in the castle's ancient gardens, which date back to the 9th century. The gin is distilled at Langley Distillery, one of England's oldest distilleries, with centuries of gin-making heritage. The recipe was developed in partnership with the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, owners of Highclere Castle, and spirits entrepreneur Adam von Gootkin. The gin uses a blend of ten botanicals, including juniper, coriander, cardamom, and lemon peel. It also uses lavender and orange peel sourced from the castle's gardens. Estate-grown oats are used to create an exceptionally creamy mouthfeel. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Highclere Castle Gin as showcasing: Aromas of juniper, pine fronds, and lemon zest. Those flavors are followed by accents of pine forest, yellow cake, and fresh citrus. Classic London Dry for cocktailing, this well-constructed gin with yellow cake and fresh citrus notes will support your drink and not get in the way. Atian is a South African rose gin. The BevTest Judging Panel described it as exhibiting: Aromas of rose petals, pink peppercorns, and eucalyptus. The palate features spruce tips, candied Meyer lemon, and hibiscus. Impeccably balanced; a meadow in bloom captured in a glass. Martin Miller's is another perennial medalist in international gin competitions. The BevTest Judging Panel described the gin as expressing: Aromas of blood orange, cucumber, and rose water. The palate features similar flavors along with melon, black walnut, and black currant tea notes—a graceful, well-balanced gin with attractive fruit and floral tones and a hint of warm spice. The BevTest Judging Panel described the gin as featuring: Aromas of candied lime, lemon balm, and watermelon with cucumbers. The palate shows similar flavors with accents of lemon custard, sorbet, and golden plum skin. Citrus forward new school Gin with a bit of tension on the palate, begging to be stirred and enjoyed as the center of attention to open it up fully. Craft distillers increasingly dominate international gin competitions, each pushing gin's aroma and flavor boundaries in new and unexpected directions. These six gins span the globe, from Scotland to South Africa. They present an array of profiles, from juniper-intensive to subtle floral contemporary style gin. These gin expressions are excellent. The juniper-intensive ones, like Ramsbury and Highclere Castle, are ideal for gin-based cocktails where an assertive gin presence is perfect. These top-ranked gins are perfect if you have a passion for G&T or a powerful Negroni. Consider the other gins on this list if you want a more subtle layered complexity in a gin Martini. If you're going to explore world-class gins, this list of Gold Medal Gins from the Beverage Testing Institute is a good place to start. For additional recommendations of top-ranked gins, see Six New Gins You Must Try and The World's Best Gin For The Perfect Gin & Tonic.
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Gin, According To The Beverage Testing Institute
Conniption Navy Strength Gin Photo, courtesy Beverage Testing Institute An American gin brand was judged the World's Best Gin at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Gin Judging. Thirteen other American gins took Gold Medals. The Gold Medal winners were dominated by craft brands, each with its unique story and flavor profile, including Costco's proprietary gin brand, Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin. Below are the official tasting notes on BevTest's Top American Gins. Navy Strength Gin is a high-proof gin bottled at 57% alcohol by volume (ABV). The term originates from the British Royal Navy, where spirits were stored alongside gunpowder. If a spirit spilled and allowed the gunpowder to ignite, it was deemed 'navy strength.' This ensured that the gin had not been watered down. Conniption Navy Strength Gin was the top-ranked gin at the 2025 BevTest gin judging, scoring 95/100 points. The gin is a testament to the craftsmanship of Durham Distillery, located in Durham, North Carolina, USA. Founded in 2013, the distillery is known for blending traditional distillation methods with modern techniques to create bold, expressive gins. Their navy strength gin expression is one of their flagship offerings and has received multiple awards in international spirit competitions. The distillery uses a hybrid distillation method. Juniper, coriander, and cardamom are distilled in a traditional copper pot still. The more delicate botanicals, cucumber, honeysuckle flowers, and lemon and orange peels, are cold distilled using vacuum distillation to preserve their bright, fresh aromas. The spirit is blended and bottled at navy strength, giving it a more robust profile ideal for cocktails. The gin is fresh and assertive on the nose, featuring powerful juniper aromas, followed by citrus zest and cucumber. There's an undercurrent of floral honeysuckle and a whisper of cardamom spice. It's full-bodied and oily on the palate, expressing bold juniper, bitter orange peel, and spiced coriander flavors. The mid-palate reveals fresh vegetal notes of cucumber and a distinct sweetness from the honeysuckle. The finish is long, robust, and spicy, with hints of citrus oil and a dry herbaceousness supported by the backbone of intense juniper notes. The BevTest Judging Panel described the gin as exhibiting: Aromas of spruce tips, coriander, and lemon thyme. Similar flavors were carried through to the palate, with additional cardamom, beeswax, and Thai basil notes. A bold, juniper-flavored gin with a surround sound of flavor that will tickle and delight gin drinkers. The gin's pronounced juniper flavors stand well in bold cocktails like a Negroni, Gin & Tonic, or a classic Gimlet, inspiring mixologists to create new and exciting concoctions where its strength and complexity shine through. Robert's No. 1 American Dry Gin Photo, courtesy Beverage Testing Institute Robert's No. 1 was the runner-up for Best American Gin, with 94/100 points. This contemporary gin is crafted by Oak House Distillery, the first legal distillery in Athens, Georgia, in over a century. The distillery, founded by Supakana Nagachinta and Rob Woods, emphasizes blending traditional techniques with innovative botanical selections. The gin is named in honor of Rob Woods' father, Robert Woods. The gin is produced using the vapor infusion method, typical for the London Dry style. In this process, alcohol vapor ascends through a custom-designed column still equipped with 10 reflux plates, ensuring high purity. The vapor then passes through a gin basket containing dry botanicals, allowing for the extraction of delicate flavors without direct boiling. Post-distillation, the spirit is diluted to 43% ABV for bottling. Robert's No. 1 Gin combines traditional and Southeast Asian botanicals, including Juniper, Lavender, Lemongrass, Makrut lime, Cardamom, Coriander, Grains of Paradise, and Licorice. This combination results in a gin that complements spicy cuisines, particularly Thai dishes. The nose features an aromatic blend of lavender, lemongrass, and makrut lime, complemented by traditional juniper notes. Bright citrus flavors dominate the palate, followed by floral undertones and a hint of spice from cardamom and grains of paradise. The finish is bright and refreshing, with lingering herbal and citrus notes. The BevTest Judging Panel described the gin as showcasing: Aromas of cardamom, coriander, and spruce tips. Flavors: Similar flavors on the palate with accents of lobster shell, enoki mushrooms, and chai. A spicy, exotic Southeast Asian styled gin with a delicious dance of spices and salted citrus supported by menthol-like juniper notes; this will be a great candidate for egg white cocktails to show off the spice. The top-ranked barrel-aged gins were Songbird Cardinal Cask Strength Gin Finished in Port Wine Barrels, 64.1% ABV, 750 ml, 92/100 points. $44 and Conniption Barrel Aged Series Gin, 47% ABV, 750 ml 91/100 points. $45 The BevTest Judging panel described the Songbird Gin as featuring: Aromas of alpine candy, incense, and rose hips. Similar flavors on the palate with shades of spruce tips, honey, lemon, orange tea, and grilled peach. A warm, full-throttle gin that creates a bracing experience for the imbiber with unabridged alpine, spice, fruit, and floral flavors. The Judging Panel described the Conniption Gin as expressing: Aromas of coriander, licorice, and Earl Grey tea. The palate featured similar flavors and accents of spruce tip, marbled rye toast, and baking spice. Straightforward on the nose, this pops on the palate with baking spice and a subtle nuance from the barrel, making the wood aging feel intentional and purposeful. Five exotic gin cocktails on ice in hands joined in celebratory toast getty Other American Gin Gold Medal winners included Common Ground Spirits Recipe 03 Blood Orange & Tarragon Gin, 45.22% ABV, 750 ml $36; Cemetery Gin, 45% ABV, 750 ml $49; and Conniption American Dry Gin, 44% ABV, 750 ml $31. All three gins scored 93/100 points. Common Ground Spirits Recipe 02 Black Currant & Thyme Gin, 45.22% ABV, 750 ml. $36; Vim & Petal Dry Gin, 425% ABV, 750 ml. $28, and John Battle Liberty Garden Gin, 44% ABV, 750 ml. $27 all scored 92/100 points. Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin, 44% ABV, 750 ml. $17, Costco's proprietary gin brand scored 91/100 points and at $17 was the lowest priced gin among the Gold Medal winners. Thresh & Winnow Citrine Gin, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $45 also scored 91 points. Common Ground Spirits Recipe 01 Basil & Elderflower Gin, 45.22% ABV, 750 ml. $36 and Bluecoat American Dry Gin, 47% ABV, 750 ml. $29 were the final Gold Medalists, each scored 90/100 points. Craft distillers increasingly dominate international gin competitions, each pushing gin's aroma and flavor boundaries in new and unexpected directions. These 14 gins present an array of profiles, from juniper-intensive to subtle floral and vegetal. All the gin expressions are excellent; The juniper-intensive ones are ideal for gin-based cocktails where an assertive gin presence is perfect. If you have a passion for G&T or a powerful Negroni, the top-ranked gins on this list of Gold Medal Gins from the Beverage Testing Institute are a good place to start. For additional recommendations of top-ranked gins, see Six New Gins You Must Try and The World's Best Gin For The Perfect Gin & Tonic and The Top International Gins, According To the Beverage Testing Institute.
