The 2025 New York World Spirits Competition threw the spotlight on mezcal’s boundless expression. In a category where smokiness, terroir, and nuance must coexist in harmony, two finalists stood out: Catedral de mi Padre Ensamble Cuishe and Mi Mama Me Dijo Reposado Mezcal. Yet it was Mi Mama Me Dijo Tobalá that ultimately captured the judges’ hearts, earning the title of Best Mezcal with its layers and depth.

From the acclaimed Catedral de mi Padre portfolio comes this complex Ensamble spearheaded by Cuishe agave. The brand, built on small-batch, artisanal mezcal traditions, emphasizes expression, terroir, and authenticity. The brand positions itself around narrative and artistry, bringing together master mezcaleros to craft distinctive expressions. It’s a mezcal made for both contemplative sipping and elevated cocktails, where the balance of smoke, fruit, and suave texture shows the care behind its distillation.

Mi Mama Me Dijo, a mezcal brand rooted in Oaxaca, has gained attention for showcasing wild agaves and elevating expression in every bottle. Mi Mama Me Dijo is lauded for blending sweet agave, earth tones, and smoke with finesse. As a Reposado, it allows for deeper complexity than many joven mezcals, while retaining purity and clarity.

The judges selected Mi Mama Me Dijo’s Tobalá Mezcal as the hallmark of excellence in 2025. The Tobalá varietal, wild and often scarce, is known in mezcal circles as “the king of mezcals” — prized for its delicate, multifaceted profile and rarity.

This Tobalá stands apart not just because it is wild, but because it blends power with restraint. The floral top notes soften the smoky core; herbaceous and vegetal tones weave in without harshness; and the finish, dense yet balanced, lingers in the glass.

Mi Mama Me Dijo’s dedication to craft—starting from sourcing agaves, traditional roasting and fermentation, and careful distillation—makes this win deeply deserved. This Tobalá expression not only shines on its own merit, it also affirms the brand’s vision of pushing boundaries while honoring tradition.

Mezcal isn’t merely defined by smoke; the best expressions reflect place, agave, method, and intent. The finalists here illustrate that spectrum — from Catedral’s bold ensamble to Mi Mama Me Dijo’s soulful Reposado — but the champion Tobalá embodies a rare balance of wild intensity and elegant subtlety.

Mi Mama Me Dijo Tobalá now sets a new benchmark as the Best Mezcal of the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition. It’s a reminder that in the world of agave spirits, mastery lies in the interplay of restraint and depth, and that a single varietal, handled with care, can outshine a field.