CULTURE

The 2026 Tequila of the Year is owned by this Kentucky bourbon company

May 20th, 2026

Brown-Forman, the Louisville-based spirits company known for its bourbon and whiskey brands, just brought home a global award — for tequila.

Tequila Herradura received top honors at the 2026 London Spirits Competition, earning the title of Tequila of the Year, Spirit of the Year Mexico and it earned a Double Gold Medal with 96 points, according to a news release.

The "ultra-premium 100% agave tequila crafted by Casa Herradura" was evaluated on taste, value for money and shelf appeal. The tequila was blind taste tested by a panel of judges comprised of various industry experts and then had its price and packaging factored in for its overall score.

Herradura Reposado was the big winner out of the Tequila Herradura family, bringing home the major titles of Tequila of the Year and Spirit of the Year Mexico. Other products like Herradura Blanco got a Gold Medal with 95 Points, and Herradura Legend got a Gold Medal with 91 Points.

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The judges described the tasting notes of Herradura Reposado as "a well-structured reposado with balanced floral, vanilla, and caramel notes; smooth, with citrus, oak, mild spice, and a long, pleasant finish."

Tequila Herradura from Casa Herradura in Amatitán, Jalisco, Mexico has been part of the Brown-Forman portfolio of spirits brands since 2007 when it bought the tequila company for $776 million.

"These awards are a meaningful recognition of the craftsmanship, heritage and authenticity that have defined Tequila Herradura for more than 150 years," William Brooks, global brand ambassador of Tequila Herradura, said in the release. "As the World’s First Reposado, Herradura Reposado reflects the pioneering spirit of Casa Herradura, with the smooth, expressive character that continues to set it apart. We’re honored to see Reposado recognized on an international stage alongside Herradura Blanco and Herradura Legend, each an example of our enduring commitment to quality, tradition and innovation."

Curated By

Julian Sterling
Investment Banker | Private Equity Analyst | Technology Sector Research Analyst | Venture Capitalist
Julian Sterling is a finance and technology journalist whose rational optimism shapes his coverage of market-driven progress. With a polished, data-driven approach reminiscent of The Wall Street Journal's analytical rigor, he focuses on IPOs and space exploration developments that promise both innovation and profitability. Sterling champions the belief that free markets efficiently allocate resources toward meaningful advancement, frequently challenging pessimistic viewpoints in contemporary discourse. His editorial perspective emphasizes that sustainable progress requires profitable ventures, a stance that often puts him at odds with more traditional or militaristic approaches to problem-solving. Through careful curation of financial and technological news, Sterling provides readers with insights into how capital markets and private enterprise continue to push humanity's boundaries, whether in boardrooms or beyond Earth's atmosphere.
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