Asia’s first aged 100% agave spirit, Maya Pistola Agavepura, has made a significant mark on the international stage by securing four prestigious awards at the Global Spirits Masters Competition 2026 in London. Hosted by The Spirits Business, the competition is part of a rigorous blind tasting series where spirits are evaluated by a panel of expert buyers, bartenders, and journalists without any brand identifiers.
This recognition brings the brand's total global accolades to over 50, cementing its position as a leader in India’s emerging agave category.
The highlight of the competition was the Pistola Extra Añejo, which received the Master award – the highest honor bestowed by the panel. This expression is a testament to the brand's focus on complex aging processes:
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In addition to the Master win, Maya Pistola Agavepura demonstrated consistent quality across its entire range, with three other expressions earning Gold awards:
Founder and Director Rakshay Dhariwal noted that these wins validate the brand’s commitment to aging as a means to build depth and character, proving that Indian agave spirits can compete at the highest global levels.
While often compared to tequila, Maya Pistola Agavepura is carving out its own identity. Unlike tequila, which is usually produced from Blue Weber agave in specific regions of Mexico, Pistola is crafted from Wild Agave Americana grown on India's Deccan plateau. The brand prides itself on authenticity, producing spirits without artificial colors or additives.
The success at the Global Spirits Masters 2026 highlights a broader shift in the industry, where aged agave is increasingly recognized as a "serious sipping category" comparable to premium whiskies and rums. By focusing on "the liquid in the glass," Maya Pistola Agavepura has successfully showcased the potential of Indian-born spirits to an international audience.
