Tequila and Agave Spirits at the 2025 IWSC: Premium momentum, broad appeal

This year’s IWSC judging for Tequila and Agave Spirits showcased the category’s breadth, from bright, expressive blancos to layered reposados and complex extra añejos, and the consistent quality now associated with agave-led production. Across the board, judges found much to celebrate, awarding 129 medals within the category.

• 7 Gold Outstanding

• 10 Gold

• 51 Silver

• 61 Bronze

These results underline how producers across the Tequila and Agave Spirits category are refining classic styles while steadily pushing quality higher, with many top-scoring entries made from 100% agave.

For Spirits Judging Committee member Deano Moncrieffe, 2025 marked a step-change in overall standard: “Today in the tequila category, it was super exciting. There were so many amazing expressions that we all got to enjoy and discover. I think it was probably the best year yet, actually,” he said. That enthusiasm was reflected on the medal table, where the very top scores went to expressive, well-crafted bottlings across core styles.

Among the Gold Outstanding winners were Tequila Cascahuin Blanco and the iconic Sierra Blanco Tequila (Destilerías Sierra Unidas), each scoring 98 points - benchmarks for clarity, balance, and agave character. Aged styles impressed as well, with Campo Azul 1940 Reposado and Pancho Datos Reposado both achieving the highest medal. These successes highlight a category that rewards precision, terroir expression and thoughtful maturation.

The Gold medal list reinforced that story. Bottlings such as Don Julio 1942 Añejo, El Tequileño Blanco, and Gran Orendain Reposado (all 95 points) exemplified the depth and consistency drinkers can expect from modern agave spirits, while illustrating the stylistic range that makes the category so compelling.

One notable trend on the judging table was the performance of cristalinos, tequilas that undergo filtration to remove colour while retaining the vibrancy of a blanco. “This was really high level, and they were all outstanding,” noted Moncrieffe. Their results suggest producers are innovating in ways that respect tradition while meeting evolving consumer curiosity for new textures and flavour profiles.

The 2025 results show a category confident in its identity: authentic agave character leading the way, classic styles executed with precision, and innovation that enhances rather than distracts. For buyers and drinkers, the cue is simple, let this year’s medal winners guide your next pour across the Tequila and Agave Spirits spectrum.

See the full list of medal-winners below, and head to our results page to see tasting notes.