On this side of the world miles away from Mexico, we can't confidently say we are excellent purveyors of this particular liquour. We know our way around whiskies, whether Scotch, Bourbon, or Japanese. Gin, we practically make our own. Vodka notoriously in party heydays, with tequila not too many shots behind. Don't look so guilty now.
Agavepura, on the other hand, would leave most with a confused expression. (Sounds like an island replete with Agave.) Fair, because it comes from this brand's own terminology. It refers to the pure spirit crafted from the wild Agave plant grown in India's Deccan Plateau.
Like most premium alcohols, Maya Pistola adheres to a meticulous selection process. Only the finest Agave Americana, aged between eight to 14 years, is harvested from the Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. Each plant is carefully monitored to ensure that the sugars have fully peaked. After distillation, the spirit takes on a character of its own in Goa, where it is matured with high respect for integrity.
The clean spirit has since earned an impressive 32 national and international accolades since its launch in 2022. Not only for taste and quality in this year's The Asian Spirits Masters but for its sustainability efforts as well.
Maya Pistola caters to every palate. The Pistola Joven, a blend of unaged and two-month-aged agave, bursts with the vibrant flavours of the raw plant, making it a refreshing choice for adventurous drinkers. Those seeking a little more depth will find Reposado a balanced complexity through ageing in a combination of Virgin American White Oak and ex-Bourbon casks.
The recently launched Añejo, matures for over 14 months and introduces a subtle smoky finish. For connoisseurs, the Extra Añejo goes extra, maturing more than 36 months in New American Oak barrels for a finish akin to a fine Cognac. Rosa, with a delicate rose hue, delivers a lush profile for wine enthusiasts from its time in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon casks.
Two limited-edition releases are based off the series with Rosa Select, a single cask bottling at 37.5 per cent ABV, and the Phoenix Añejo, aged for 20 months at 40 per cent ABV.
Maya Pistola stocks at Destination Beverage and online via Lazada, but you can try it with flair in cocktails at Smoke & Mirrors, Potato Head and Anti:Dote.
