'Spirits of Mexico' fit to be tied

The final results are in from the "Spirits of Mexico" tasting competition just completed in San Diego. Interestingly, two categories had ties for the top award.

In the Silver/Plata category, Corazon Blanco and Nocaut Blanco tied for "best of" honors. And, in Añejo, Milagro and Oro Azul tied for the top award.

Other category toppers:

TEQUILA REPOSADO: Pueblo Viejo

TEQUILA EXTRA AÑEJO: Clase Azul Ultra

SOTOL: Hacienda de Chihuahua Silver

MEZCAL: Forever Oax Reposado

TEQUILA FLAVORS/CREAMS: Casa 1921 Cream

The competition, sponsored by The Polished Palate and owner Dori Bryant, judged 111 entries from 48 brands. It produced 44 gold medals, 40 silver and 25 bronze.

The competition was co-hosted by Robert Plotkin of Bar Media and Jack Robertiello of Drinks Ink. Entries were judged on five elements -- appearance, aromatics, flavor, mouthfeel and finish, with a rating system totaling a maximum possible score of 100 points. Riedel Tequila Crystal was the stemware of choice.

Five brands received gold medals across the board for their Blanco, Reposado and Añejo entries, including Pueblo Viejo, newcomers Nocaut and El Grado, the newly re-launched Suavemente and Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol.

The gold medal winners in the various categories were:

TEQUILA SILVER/PLATA: Chinaco Blanco, Corazon Blanco, Corzo Silver, Don Eduardo Silver, El Grado Blanco, La Certeza Blanco, La Pinata Silver, Nocaut Blanco, Pueblo Viejo Blanco, Riazul Premium Silver, Siete Leguas Blanco, Tierras Blanco, Suavemente Blanco.

TEQUILA REPOSADO: 3 Amigos, Chinaco, Clase Azul, El Grado, Muchote, Nocaut, Penacho Azteca, Pueblo Viejo, Suavemente, T1-Tequila Uno.

TEQUILA AÑEJO: Tequila 55, Capaz, El Grado, Milagro, Nocaut, Orgullo Pueblo Viejo, Oro Azul, Pueblo Viejo, Suavemente.

TEQUILA EXTRA AÑEJO: Campo Azul, Clase Azul Ultra, Corrido, T1-Tequila Uno, 11 Años.

SOTOL: Hacienda de Chihuahua Silver, Hacienda de Chihuahua Reposado, Hacienda de Chihuahua Añejo.

MEZCAL: Forever Oax Reposado, Forever Oax Silver.

TEQUILA FLAVORS/CREAMS: Casa 1921 Tequila Cream, Gran Centenario Rosangel.

Go here for the complete list of all other medals.

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