Is there any spirit as misunderstood as mezcal? For years it was seen as Tequila’s more intense, less approachable cousin, dismissed as being simply too smoky. Yet that perception has shifted, as eager agave enthusiasts and curious newcomers have all discovered the remarkable diversity of styles the category has to offer. In fact, one look at any well stocked back bar will tell you that mezcal is having quite the moment.
Unlike Tequila, which must be made from Blue Weber agave and produced in designated regions centred on Jalisco, mezcal can be crafted from dozens of different agave varieties across Mexico, each bringing its own distinctive character. From the herbaceous, citrus-led profile of Espadín to the floral, more tropical notes often found in Tobalá, the choice of agave plays a huge role in shaping the final spirit, and that’s before traditional production methods even come into play.
The most recognisable distinction between mezcal and Tequila remains its signature smoky character. Rather than steaming the agave piñas in ovens, mezcal producers typically roast them in underground earthen pits, imparting the earthy, smoky flavours for which the spirit is famous for. The result is a spirit of remarkable complexity, equally rewarding when sipped neat or mixed into cocktails.
That diversity was on full display at this year’s IWSC, where mezcals from a range of agave varieties and producing regions impressed judges. From delicately floral expressions to richer, more intensely smoky styles, these are the best mezcals from the IWSC 2026.
The highest-scoring mezcals from this year’s IWSC demonstrated that smoke is only one part of the spirit’s appeal. The leading bottles combined earthy, vegetal and savoury flavours with bright citrus, tropical fruit and floral freshness. Ensambles proved particularly successful this year, creating layered, balanced spirits by combining different varieties of agave.
Four exceptional 98-point mezcals sit at the top of the list, all Gold Outstanding medal winners, all ensambles and all produced using either the ancestral or artesanal method. Among the artesanal winners, Pensador Ensamble Joven Artesanal Mezcal and Sepulto Ensamble Artesanal Mezcal impressed judges with earthy, mineral driven aromas alongside vibrant notes of pea shoots and, in Pensador’s case, a ‘bright lime zest vibrancy’. Meanwhile, Vago Ensamble En Barro Joven Ancestral Mezcal and Mezcal Reina Ancestral Ensamble Joven Mezcal earned Gold Outstanding medals thanks to expressive tropical flavours of guava, banana and pineapple. The clean sweep for ensambles underlines just how highly judges valued complexity, balance and the interplay between different agave varieties.
Other mezcals worth seeking out include two expressions from 400 Conejos. Both its Espadín Joven Mezcal and Añejo Mezcal were awarded Gold medals, with the latter praised for its ‘bold, intense aroma revealing a striking harmony of wood and smoky cooked agave’. Those looking for a more smoky style should turn to El Silencio Rare Ensamble Joven Artesanal Mezcal, described by judges as having a ‘smoky, seaside aroma with nuances of boiled sweets and agave’.
The IWSC judging panel included director of Wines & Such Stephanie DiCamillo-May, Specialty Brands sales manager Tom Bartram and 1910 Cantina founder José Chacón. Judging Committee member Jesse Estes, spirits educator, former award-winning bartender and son of legendary tequila ambassador Tomás Estes, oversaw the tasting. Reflecting on this year’s top performers, Estes said the best mezcals were ‘full of flavour, very complex, but integrated and balanced’.
Read on to see which mezcals from the IWSC 2026 are worth seeking out.
18 award-winning mezcals to try
Meanwhile Drinks, Pensador Ensamble Joven Artesanal Mezcal
Heaven Hill Brands, Vago Ensamble En Barro Joven Ancestral Mezcal
La Huaracha Vinata, Sepulto Ensamble Artesanal Mezcal
Mezcal Reina, Ancestral Ensamble Joven Mezcal
Desolas Mezcal, Blanco Mezcal
El Silencio, Rare Ensamble Joven Artesanal Mezcal
Quiqui Mezcal, Quiquiriqui Espadin Artesanal Joven Mezcal
Proximo Spirits, 400 Conejos Espadin Joven Mezcal
Proximo Spirits, 400 Conejos Anejo Mezcal
House of Tequila, Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal
Heaven Hill Brands, Vago Elote Mezcal
Desolas Mezcal, Reposado Mezcal
HMA Trading GmbH (San Cosme), San Cosme Joven Artesanal Mezcal
Espiritu Montaraz, Papalometl Ancestral Joven Mezcal
House of Tequila, Del Maguey Las Milpas Mezcal
El Silencio, Ensamble Joven Artesanal Mezcal
Ensamble Agavero, Manojo Artesanal Mezcal
Mezcal Bala 50, Bala Cincuenta Joven Mezcal
HOW DO WE JUDGE THESE SPIRITS?
We run a tightly structured, rigorous spirits tasting process. That means that each spirit sample is pre-poured into numbered glasses and assessed blindly by the judges. Most importantly, our IWSC spirit judges are experts in their field, who work across all sectors of the drinks industry. For evidence, see our full list of judges.
HOW DO WE SCORE THESE SPIRITS?
Only the best spirits sampled receive a Gold or Silver award. For example, to win Gold, spirits have to score between 95 and 100 points. Meanwhile, Silver wines range from 90 to 94 points. Click here to read more on our scoring system.
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