Cristal Azul Extra Añejo Tequila Wins Gold at London Spirits Competition

Cristal Azul Extra Añejo has earned a Gold Medal at the 2026 London Spirits Competition, adding another international honour to the premium tequila brand’s growing collection of awards.

The Extra Añejo received 90 points from the competition’s judging panel. Official tasting notes describe the tequila as having a smooth aroma with sweet, nutty oak and earthy caramel characteristics, followed by a balanced, dry palate and subtly integrated finish.

The London Spirits Competition evaluates entries according to quality, value and packaging, with the goal of recognizing spirits that appeal to both trade professionals and consumers.

An Extra-Aged Tequila from Jalisco

Produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, Cristal Azul Extra Añejo is made exclusively from Blue Weber agave. The tequila is matured in oak barrels for more than three years, developing layers of vanilla, toasted oak, caramel and dried fruit.

The extended ageing period distinguishes an Extra Añejo from younger tequila styles. Under Mexican regulations, tequila in this category must be aged for at least three years, allowing more time for the spirit to draw colour, aroma and flavour from the barrel.

While Cristal Azul’s production remains rooted in Jalisco’s tequila-making traditions, the brand describes its identity as having been “perfected in New York,” reflecting a contemporary approach intended for an international audience.

A Tequila Created for Slow Sipping

Cristal Azul positions its Extra Añejo as a sipping tequila rather than a spirit intended only for shots or mixed drinks. It can be served neat or over a large cube of ice, giving its oak-influenced flavours time to unfold in the glass.

Its combination of caramel, vanilla and dried-fruit notes also makes it suitable for pairing with food. Rich chocolate desserts, roasted nuts, aged cheeses and grilled meats can complement the tequila’s deeper barrel characteristics.

The spirit is Kosher-certified and, according to the producer, made without additives or artificial flavourings. Its focus on provenance and production transparency reflects the increasing interest among spirits enthusiasts in understanding how and where premium tequila is made.

International Recognition for Cristal Azul

The London award follows earlier recognition for other expressions in the Cristal Azul portfolio. The brand’s Añejo received a Gold award at the USA Spirits Ratings in 2025, while its Reposado earned Double Gold at the 2025 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards.

Cristal Azul co-founder Gary Taneja said the latest distinction reflects the work involved in producing a tequila grounded in Mexican heritage.

“From the agave fields of Jalisco to consumers around the world, our focus has always been on creating an authentic tequila rooted in heritage and excellence,” Taneja said.

In addition to its Extra Añejo, the Cristal Azul collection includes Añejo, Reposado and Blanco expressions, along with Gold and Silver blended tequilas. The range is currently available in India through selected retailers, hospitality venues and cocktail bars.

Tequila and the Flavours of Jalisco

The award also draws attention to Jalisco, the heartland of tequila production and an increasingly popular destination for culinary and spirits-focused travel.

The region’s blue-green agave fields form part of the UNESCO-listed Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila. Visitors can explore historic distilleries, learn how agave is harvested and cooked, and experience guided tastings that reveal the differences among Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo tequila.

Guadalajara provides a convenient starting point for discovering the region. From the city, travellers can visit tequila-producing communities such as Tequila, Amatitán and Arandas, where generations of agricultural knowledge and distilling traditions continue to shape one of Mexico’s best-known spirits.

For Cristal Azul, the 2026 Gold Medal provides additional international recognition for a tequila that brings together Jalisco’s agave heritage, extended barrel ageing and a modern sipping style.

The competition’s official results confirm that Cristal Azul Extra Añejo received a Gold Medal and 90 points at the 2026 London Spirits Competition.