Spirits Selection by CMB 2025 - Mexico Jalisco

Spirits Selection by CMB 2025 – Mexico Jalisco

Branko Drljača

Slap Spirits

A Competition That Unites the World of Spirits

There’s something truly special about the moment when the finest spirits from around the globe come together in one place. Especially when you have the chance to taste them, evaluate them, and share experiences with experts from every corner of the planet. This September, I had the honor of being one of the judges at the Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), an event that this year took place in the very heart of Mexico, in the legendary region of Jalisco, the cradle of tequila.

For those hearing about Spirits Selection for the first time, it is one of the most prestigious international competitions dedicated to distilled spirits. For more than two decades, it has brought together experts from the world of distillation with the goal of recognizing and rewarding quality, authenticity, and innovation in the production of whisky, gin, tequila, brandy, rum, and other spirits.

Every year, Spirits Selection chooses a new host destination to highlight the cultural and production significance of different regions. This year, the honor went to Jalisco, a symbol of Mexican tradition and home to the world’s most famous tequila distilleries.

Jalisco – The Land of Blue Agave and Endless Smiles

From the very first moment I arrived, it was clear why Jalisco is so loved and respected. The hills blanketed with blue agave, the warm welcome from local producers, the scent of earth soaked in sunlight, everything radiates passion for tequila and respect for tradition.

One particularly impressive experience was the journey aboard the Tequila Express, which took us deep into the heart of the region. As we traveled for hours, the view through the windows was breathtaking, endless fields of blue Weber agave stretching as far as the eye could see, neatly arranged in perfect rows. That seemingly monotonous yet hypnotic beauty of the agave fields created an almost meditative experience, as if the train were gliding through the very soul of Mexico.

During our visits to the distilleries, we had the opportunity to witness the different stages of tequila production, from the thermal processing of agave, through fermentation and distillation, to aging in barrels. Each distillery has its own unique character and approach, yet they all share one thing in common: an endless respect for the agave plant. Gaining such a detailed insight into the process of creating tequila was a fascinating experience and a true glimpse into the very essence of Mexican tradition.

Mexico, however, is not only the land of Tequila and Mezcal. This country also hides other, lesser-known but remarkably authentic spirits such as Raicilla, Sotol, and Pulque, each representing a unique expression of local traditions. It was Raicilla, in particular, that truly surprised and completely charmed me with its character, complexity, and diversity.

Raicilla is most commonly produced from the agave varieties Maximiliana and Angustifolia, which give it a distinctive and complex aromatic profile. It often carries fruity, floral, earthy, smoky, and herbal notes or a combination of these aromatic attributes. In every glass, you can feel the spirit of Mexico in its purest form: a blend of earth, sun, smoke, and the human touch. Since then, I must admit, I’ve become a true admirer of this authentic, somewhat “wild” expression of the Mexican distilling soul.

Judging

Being a judge at a competition like this means much more than simply tasting spirits. It’s a combination of sensory precision, experience, concentration, and objectivity. Over several days, we tasted dozens of samples from all over the world, from whiskies and traditional brandies of the Balkans, to innovative gins from Northern Europe and exotic rums from the Caribbean.

Each glass carries a story of people, land, culture, and time. And it is up to us, the judges, to recognize, understand, and fairly evaluate that story. It is precisely this exchange of knowledge and experience among experts from different countries that makes Spirits Selection such a unique event.

For me, it was an invaluable experience not only as a professional, but also as a passionate admirer of a craft that unites science, tradition, and art.

What I brought back from Jalisco was not just a deeper understanding of agave-based spirits, but also a reminder of a universal truth in the art of distillation — authenticity is unmistakable. Whether it comes from the continental Balkans or the sunlit fields of Mexico, a drink made with honesty and care always speaks for itself.

The inspiration I felt in Mexico reaffirmed how vital tradition, pride, and community are in preserving the identity of a spirit and of the people behind it.

One must understand that a distillate is not merely a drink; it is a language without borders. When you raise a glass with someone in Mexico, France, or Serbia, you are not just sharing alcohol, you are sharing emotion, trust, and a moment of mutual understanding.

Competitions like Spirits Selection remind us that the world of spirits is at once endlessly diverse and deeply connected. Every bottle is a bridge between cultures, and every medal is proof that effort, knowledge, and passion are recognized everywhere.

I returned from Jalisco fulfilled, content, and deeply impressed. Not only because I was part of the global community of spirit professionals, but because I was able to personally experience the soul of Mexico, its people, their food, their drinks, and their way of life.

Because in the end, no matter where we come from, all of us who create, study, and love spirits share the same passion and the same stories that live in every single drop.