Maya Pistola Agavepura, Asia’s first premium 100% agave spirit, recently announced the launch of its highly anticipated Añejo and Extra Añejo variants in Mumbai. These exceptional expressions offer connoisseurs an elevated sipping experience that embodies the artistry and tradition of agave distillation.
Maya Pistola Agavepura’s Añejo and Extra Añejo variants are meticulously aged, imparting rich flavours and complexities that discerning palates will appreciate.
The Añejo (An-ye-ho; ‘vintage’ in Spanish) has a deep golden-brown hue, an oaky nose of cocoa and dried figs, with a subtle smoky background. Each small batch is aged for over 14 months in virgin American white oak, which imparts the notes of caramel and the fragrance of vanilla to the peppery, herbaceous agave spirit.
Smooth and rich, this expression is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water. Called “enchanting and approachable” by the International World Spirits Competition, this spirit is enjoyed by single malt drinkers, and offers a touch of spiciness over a lingering sweetness.
The Extra Añejo variant is the most premium spirit of the Maya Pistola Agavepura range today. Patiently matured for over 36 months, this extra-special liquid has been beautifully rested in virgin American white oak barrels to get the vanilla and caramel from the wood, and then finished in ex-Maker’s Mark (American Bourbon whiskey) barrels for a dimension of butterscotch and dry spice.
While most other agave spirits available in India are between 38% to 40% ABV, Maya Pistola Extra Añejo comes in at 48% ABV, making it spirit-heavy and robust, and offering a velvety palate with a complex and elongated mouthfeel.
This unique spirit delivers a truly decadent experience with warm, rich flavours of dark chocolate, spiced caramel, candied cherries, toffee and honey, rounded with a sophisticated subtle smoky finish. Like a Cognac, it is meant to be sipped neat or on the rocks.
These variants have recently won several prestigious awards across the world. In 2024, The Spirits Business Spring Bling Tasting Awards (UK) honoured the brand with two Silver medals for its Añejo and Extra Añejo variants.
At the Global Spirits Masters Competition (UK), the Añejo variants secured Gold, while at the Bartender Spirits Awards (US), the Añejo variants earned a Bronze medal.
Rakshay Dhariwal, Director & Founder, Maya Pistola Agavepura, and its owner, Inspired Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., is obviously thrilled with the newcomers to his spirits family. “These expressions represent the pinnacle of our craftsmanship, showcasing the depth and complexity that can only be achieved through time-honoured aging techniques.”
Kimberly Pereira, Chief Operating Officer, elaborates: “The Añejo is reminiscent of a Christmas cake packed with flavours of dried fruits, nuts and spices, and cherished for the joy that it brings to special occasions.
“The Extra Añejo invokes the warmth and comfort of loved ones gathering around a fireplace. These luxurious spirits offer an alternative to India’s consummate whisky aficionados,” she adds.
Maya Pistola Agavepura is made without any additives whatsoever, producing a clear, clean, robust sipping spirit that gives its consumers a hangover-free indulgence.
Maya Pistola Agavepura’s new premium variants, are priced at ?7,850 for Añejo (700 ml) and ?17,500 for Extra Añejo (700 ml) at select retail stores in Maharashtra. The nips (180 ml) are available for ?2,495 for the Añejo and ?4,500 for Extra Añejo.
Launched in 2022, Maya Pistola Agavepura has expanded its reach from Goa to Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, West Bengal and Assam. Since May 2024 the brand is also available in select cities in the US, Singapore and Thailand.
The first variant to hit the markets was the Reposado (Re-po-sa-do), which is aged for six months in virgin American white oak and ex-Bourbon casks in Goa. The pale gold liquid has an intense and perfumed nose with sweet aromas of butterscotch, vanilla and creme brûlée.
Joven (Ho-ben; ‘young’ in Spanish) is a blend of unaged and aged 100% agave. Pale straw in colour, this has citrus notes infused with peppermint and green peppercorn. The spirit is complex and layered with notes of herbs and spices.
Rosa is aged in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, is a clear marmalade coloured spirit that has an interesting nose of black cherries, clove, plum and vanilla bean. Dry with a lingering finish and fruit and spice, it is versatile and can be enjoyed chilled, as a spritz or in a cocktail.
To celebrate the launch of the Añejo and Extra Añejo expressions, Maya Pistola Agavepura is conducting a series of exclusive tasting experiences across popular and award-winning bars and restaurants in Mumbai, providing diners with the opportunity to enjoy the richness and sophistication of these new variants. For more information, visit https://pistola.in/
