Behind the Scenes: The Art and Science of Judging the Agavos Awards

May 13, 2025 Jason Baer

Have you ever wondered what goes into judging a prestigious tequila competition? 🌟 As a participant in the Agavos Awards, I'm thrilled to provide a glimpse into the meticulous process of evaluating the world's finest agave spirits. From tasting strategies to scoring systems, here's how these esteemed awards come to life, one sip at a time. 🥃

The Tasting Process: Breaking It Down

The Agavos Awards is no small task, with 50 tequilas vying for recognition in this distinguished competition. To ensure each spirit receives the attention it deserves, I approach this undertaking with a structured, thoughtful plan.

10 Tequilas at a Time: Rather than overwhelming my senses, I taste in manageable sessions. By breaking the task into five rounds, each one featuring 10 tequilas, I maintain focus and integrity throughout the judging process.
A Reference Pour: Consistency is key. To maintain a reliable standard, I use a trusted tequila—like Wild Common Reposado—as a baseline. This reference point helps calibrate my palate, ensuring fairness and clarity.

The Scoring System: Point by Point

A comprehensive yet nuanced scoring system guides my evaluations, with emphasis on the following categories:

Color (Up to 5 Points): The first impression sets the stage, where visual appeal and vibrancy inform initial expectations.
Aroma (Up to 25 Points): A rich tapestry of scents reveals the heart of each tequila, with complexity and balance earning top marks.
Flavor (Up to 40 Points): The most critical facet, flavor captures the essence and craftsmanship of the spirit. Layers of taste are carefully considered for depth and harmony.
Finish (Up to 25 Points): A lasting impression elevates the experience. The finish is a vital culmination, where smoothness and character linger.
Bonus Vibes (0-5 Points): For those exceptional spirits that push boundaries or offer unique qualities, "Bonus Vibes" recognizes innovation and creativity.

Commitment to Integrity: Retesting Scores

To uphold the credibility of the Agavos Awards, I retest high and low scores on separate days. This commitment ensures accuracy and combats palate fatigue, allowing each tequila to shine on its merits.

The Honor of Judging

Being part of the Agavos Awards is both an honor and a responsibility—a pledge to celebrate excellence and artistry within the tequila community. My dedication to this role reflects a shared passion for uncovering the best of the best and is a testament to the rigor and fairness inherent in the process.

Join the Conversation

Would you want to be a tequila judge? The journey is both rewarding and immersive. Share your thoughts in the comments, and join me in celebrating the craft and diversity of tequila.

Stay tuned for the announcement of winners, and raise a glass to the dedication and craftsmanship that make the Agavos Awards possible. Here’s to the vibrant world of tequila, its creators, and its enthusiasts! 🥂