Results of the 27th Spirits Selection by CMB: Global Trends in Spirits Unveiled in Jalisco
The 27th edition of the Spirits Selection by CMB concluded in early September in Jalisco, Mexico, reaffirming its position as a global and major player in the world of spirits. From September 8 to 10, no fewer than 2,598 samples from 70 countries were blind tasted by a jury of 140 international experts, illustrating the dynamism of the competition, which highlights both historic producers and the rise of emerging countries.
A Mezcal in the Spotlight
Mexico stood out with the largest number of medals, including the top Spirits Selection Revelation award for Mexcalito de Mi Corazón Papalometl. Blind tasting revealed a crystalline mezcal of great complexity and intensity, combining ripe fruits, sandalwood, incense, and smoky spices. On the palate, it impressed with its elegance, marked minerality and salinity, a long finish, and a rich, perfectly balanced texture.
France: Tradition, Innovation, and the Rise of Vodka
The French results perfectly illustrate the balance between heritage and innovation: armagnacs, liqueurs, and cognacs continue to charm with their finesse while exploring new aromatic expressions. This momentum translated into a 13% increase in participation and a 45% rise in medals, confirming France’s key role in the world of spirits.
This edition also marks a historic milestone for French vodka, which earned its first Revelation. With the highest participation ever recorded in this category, the competition was particularly fierce for varietal vodkas, with France and Poland sharing Gold and Grand Gold medals.
Asia on the Rise
The Indian subcontinent impressed with increased participation and a higher number of medals, as well as a Revelation Blended Whisky for WoodBurns Contemporary Indian Whisky. For the first, India received this distinction, confirming the rise and importance of the country in the global spirits market. We can expect some great things for on the country in the future.
In the Far East, Japan continues its progression with refined shochus (including the Revelation Honkaku Shochu) and other traditional spirits increasingly appealing to international juries.
The Rise of Emerging Countries
New players are emerging on the international scene. Serbia particularly stood out, recording the highest participation among Balkan countries, winning four Grand Gold medals as well as the Revelation Rakija for Žuta Dunja.
Scotland shone with the Revelation Scotch Whisky for Tri Carragh Lowland Distillery – Dalrymple, while Ireland confirmed the growing recognition of its pot still whiskies. Germany impressed with a spectacular +510% increase in submitted samples, particularly in the whisky category, earning the Revelation World Malts Whisky and a Gold Medal for a Williams – a symbol of its heritage in fruit distillation. Sweden also advanced, increasing both its samples and its medals.
Among emerging and original territories, Mauritius confirmed its excellence: for the second time, Gray’s Distillery received the Revelation Rum with New Grove Emotion. Finally, Cyprus made a remarkable debut by earning its first Gold Medal for Zivania.
Latin America Continues Its Ascent
Beyond Mexico, which achieved an exceptional performance with a mezcal crowned Revelation of the Year, a Revelation was also awarded to a tequila: Tequila Maestro Dobel Blanco. This achievement underscores the global strength of agave distillates, with tequila earning 62 distinctions this year.
Brazil also won more Gold Medals, including the Revelation Cachaça. Bolivia progressed and earned its second Revelation in two years with Singani. Peru has significantly increased its number of medals, earning the Peru Revelation. Meanwhile, Venezuela saw a notable rise in its number of medals, driven by the growing recognition of its local agave spirit, cocuy.
A Competition Revealing Global Trends
Spirits Selection was created in 1998 by the CMB | Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, a prestigious international competition renowned for its rigor and its commitment to recognizing the world’s best wines and spirits. Each year, several Sessions and Selections evaluate over 15,000 samples worldwide, with a professional jury conducting blind tastings to ensure impartiality and a focus on quality.
Now independent while remaining under the ownership of the CMB, Spirits Selection by CMB is entirely dedicated to spirits. Through its specialized jury, it highlights both the technical quality of products and the cultural and taste trends shaping the global market.
View the 2025 edition photos: Official Flickr Album
Contact press:
Anne de Bidlot
anne.debidlot@vinopres.com
