Spirited Origins

Webb’s Fine Wines & Whiskies

At Webb’s, New Zealand’s premier auction house, we’ve seen a surge in interest for aged Tequilas and rare Mezcals. This month, we spotlight their roots in Jalisco and Oaxaca, Mexico.

 

Tequila, made exclusively from blue agave and aged in oak, spans a spectrum; from crisp and peppery to rich, caramel-laced Añejos and Extra Añejos with complexity rivalling fine whisky. Whether sipped neat or paired with citrus and salt, it’s a spirit of place, tradition, and celebration.

 

Mezcal is tequila’s wilder cousin, and Oaxaca is its beating heart. If you haven’t explored mezcal yet, now’s the time. Crafted from a broader range of agave species and roasted in earthen pits, mezcal offers signature smokiness and earthy depth.

Artisanal mezcals are often produced in tiny batches by family-run palenques (distilleries) using centuries-old techniques. Each bottle reflects not just a region, but a village, a producer, and often a single agave variety.

 

Mexico’s agave spirits are more than party drinks; they’re cultural artefacts. From the highlands of Jalisco to the valleys of Oaxaca, each bottle tells a story of soil, sun, and slow craftsmanship.

 

Whether you’re building a collection or just curious, Webb’s auctions are a great place to start your agave journey.

 

In short, tequila speaks of clarity and restraint. Mezcal tells a story of fire, flavour, and untamed character.

 

Cheers! | Santé! | Sláinte! | Egészségére! | 饮胜! | 干杯!

 

MARCUS ATKINSON, DipWSET
Head of Fine Wines & Whiskies, Webb’s+64 27 929 5601
marcus@webbs.co.nz

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