Australian spirits company Top Shelf International has launched its Act of Treason agave spirit in the domestic off-trade through Endeavour Group’s Dan Murphy’s.

In what looks like a mirror movement of wine some 50 years ago, agave spirits are finding their feet in unlikely quarters, finds Shay Waterworth.

London’s KOL Mezcaleria has introduced six house mezcals and distillates of agave to its menu. 

Formula One champion and entrepreneur Lewis Hamilton, alongside agave expert and Casa Lumbre co-founder and master distiller Iván Saldaña, have unveiled Almave, the inaugural distilled non-alcoholic blue agave spirit.

The Lost Explorer Mezcal has appointed Alan Uresti Silva, previously of Annabel’s, as UK brand ambassador.

While they put a focus on the spirit, some experts believe the explosion of brands backed by famous faces does the category and quality expectations no favours.

Mezcal has become a spirits category for the cool kids. But so much sudden attention on the agave spirit leaves its producers, which are often small-scale operations, and the slow-growing agave crop, open to exploitation.

Strengthening its agave portfolio, Pernod Ricard has announced the signing of an agreement for the acquisition of a majority shareholding of Código 1530 Tequila, a range of ultra-premium tequila.

Premium tequila brand Cazcabel has announced that its $37million distillery is set to open in Atotonilco El Alto in the Jalisco highlands of Mexico in 2023.

Independent tequila brand, Código1530, has announced its entry into the mezcal category with the launch of two mezcal expressions.

Tiempo Tequila has debuted its first limited-edition batch of Reposado Cristalino Tequila in the UK.

Deano Moncrieffe and Emma Murphy, the team behind acclaimed Dalston agaveria, Hacha have announced the opening of a second London site in Brixton.

Jay Khan is hot property in Asia’s bar scene right now. His agave-focused bar, Coa, is number one in Asia’s 50 Best Bars and he was voted Bartenders’ Bartender in 2020. But a humble job on the  floor of Hong Kong’s Hard Rock Cafe was where Khan’s career in hospitality began.

Tomas Estes, one of the drinks industry's most loved and respected figures, has passed away peacefully at his home in Oregan.

Mezcal is making its way into the drinking repertoires of new fans worldwide. But it’s not all plain sailing for the agave spirit. Hamish Smith reports

Popularity comes with a price for the agave plant. Lucy Britner puts tequila under the microscope

Funkin has launched Agave Nectar to the global on-trade as a ‘skinny’ alternative to sugar syrup.