The Rise of Agave Distillates: A Global Love Affair

Agave distillates have witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years. The U.S. leads this trend, accounting for over 90% of global export volume and value. While Europe’s market is smaller, its growth is impressive, with Germany and Spain emerging as the top European destinations for Mexican spirits—primarily Tequila. 

To put things into perspective: in 2023, Tequila exports hit a staggering 400 million litters, while Mezcal accounted for just under 8 million litters. Clearly, the world has a growing thirst for Agave distillates! For comparison, Scotch whisky exports totalled about 945 million litters in the same year.

Key Players in Agave Distillate Production
Within Mexico, the states of Oaxaca and Jalisco dominate the production landscape. Each has successfully positioned itself as the “home” of its signature product. Oaxaca, for instance, contributes a staggering 75% of total Mezcal export volume. In distant second place is Puebla, with just 10% of the export share. 

Jimador at work at La Peñas

Interestingly, a curious anomaly emerges in data from the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (COMERCAM), the official body overseeing Mezcal production. Beyond the officially recognized Mezcal-producing states, there’s a category for “Destilado de Agave” made outside the designated geographical denominations. These so-called “rogue” distillers accounted for over 10% of total “Mezcal” exports in 2023—a significant contribution. One standout example is the State of Mexico, which will proudly feature its Agave spirits at the Spirits Selection stand during Vinexpo 2025.

Tradition Meets Diversity in Agave Spirits
Dismissing these lesser-known products as “inferior” would be a mistake. The State  of Mexico, for example, boasts an impressive diversity of Agave species—12 in total, with five used for distillates—across 2,600 hectares. Its production history spans more than 200 years and incorporates both Mongolian and Arabic-style distillation techniques. 

Geographically, production divides into two distinct regions: the northern areas near Hidalgo focus on Pulque and its distilled version, “Destilado de Pulque,” while the southern regions specialize in “Destilado de Agave.” Despite their rich heritage, these products are often overshadowed by their more commercial counterparts, Tequila and Mezcal. 

As consumer curiosity grows, both Destilado de Agave and Destilado de Pulque are ripe for discovery. The region’s showcase at Wine Paris 2025, with a strong focus on education, offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with producers and deepen your appreciation for these unique spirits. 

Join Us at Be Spirits, Wine Paris 2025 (Hall 5.2 Allée E stand 061)

We’re excited to welcome you to Be Spirits (Wine Paris, February 10–12) to experience these exceptional distillates firsthand. This is your chance to connect with passionate producers and uncover the stories behind some of Mexico’s most intriguing Agave spirits. Don’t miss it!

Sources:

• Comercam: PÚBLICO_INFORME_2024
• CRT: PÚBLICO_INFORME_2024
  

  Roasting of the Piñas