Arbitrario Artisanal Mezcal Earns Four Medals at the 2026 Agavos International Spirits Competition
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Mexican Distillates Global, Inc. Takes Home Double Gold, Gold, and Two Silver Medals, Blind-Judged by the Industry's Leading Agave Experts
Mexican Distillates Global, Inc., producer of the Arbitrario Artisanal Mezcal line, today announced that four expressions from its portfolio have earned medals at the prestigious 2026 Agavos International Spirits Competition, including the coveted Double Gold and 92-point score for its Ensamble Cuishe - Barril. The competition, presented by Agave Matchmaker (formerly Tequila Matchmaker) in partnership with AMCP, evaluates spirits entirely blind, free from labels, marketing, or bottle design, honoring only the craft in the glass.
"The Arbitrario line was created to honor the full spectrum of artisanal mezcal, from an approachable Espadín to complex wild-agave ensambles," said Ronak Patel, President of Mexican Distillates Global, Inc. "Receiving this recognition from a panel of the industry's most respected agave authorities in a completely blind tasting is an incredible validation of our approach to sourcing and presenting exceptional artisanal mezcal."
2026 Agavos Awards Medal Results
Awarded Double Gold: Ensamble Cuishe - Barril, 92 Points (46% ABV)
Judges praised this Karwinskii-forward ensamble for complex, nutty, and earthy flavors complemented by delicate florality, with a piquant green-pepper finish. Described as "a very good mezcal" that announces its character immediately.
Awarded Gold: Ensamble Tepeztate - Espadín - Cuishe (46% ABV)
A nicely balanced three-agave ensamble delivering aromas of tropical fruit, candied banana, aged wood, and spice. Medium-bodied with a zesty finish and sweet, herbal character on the palate.
Awarded Silver: Espadín Soft (40% ABV)
Judges called it "a solid introduction to Oaxacan mezcal", noting an impressive maguey presence for a 40% ABV expression, with aromas of lemon curd, wildflowers, and candied cinnamon, and a lingering smoky finish.
Awarded Silver: Espadín Original (42% ABV)
A lighter style of traditional mezcal featuring enticing fruity and pungent aromas, with flavors reminiscent of flamed tropical fruit, pineapple and guava, with a hint of char.
About the Agavos International Spirits Competition
The Agavos International Spirits Competition is presented by Agave Matchmaker, the world's largest database of tequila, mezcal, and agave spirit information, in partnership with AMCP. All spirits are evaluated completely blind by a panel of the industry's foremost agave authorities, including James Beard Award winners, master sommeliers, and acclaimed spirits writers. The 2026 edition introduced numerical scoring for Double Gold medalists on a 100-point scale. More information is available at agavosawards.com.
About Mexican Distillates Global, Inc.
Mexican Distillates Global, Inc. is the importer behind the Arbitrario Artisanal Mezcal line, dedicated to bringing authentic, handcrafted mezcal to discerning spirits lovers. From accessible introductions to rare wild-agave expressions, Arbitrario celebrates the depth and diversity of Oaxacan mezcal tradition.
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