The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA), in collaboration with Inzalo Agave Spirits, invites you to a comparative agave spirit tasting focused on building a deeper, more practical understanding of agave spirits as a category. In addition, the Inzalo team will showcase its new, small-batch spirit made using a newly discovered species of agave, the Red Agave.
Agave spirits are gaining global relevance on modern wine and spirits lists, yet remains widely misunderstood. This guided tasting is designed to bring clarity to the different Agave spirits categories by examining how terroir, agave variety, cooking methods, and production choices shape style, structure, and flavour.
Tasting structure
Introduction and context
An overview of agave as a raw material, key production variables, and the main global agave styles.
Comparative tasting: Two perspectives
Traditional (Mexican) agave spirit styles
A guided comparison of:
- Tequila and mezcal
- The influence of cooking methods
- Common aromatic and flavour markers associated with each style
South African agave spirit expressions
A comparative tasting exploring:
- Agave varieties used in South Africa
- Differences in flavour profile and structure across local expressions
- How South African agave spirits compare stylistically to traditional benchmarks
Service and pairing
We will conclude with a practical discussion on:
- Enjoying agave spirits neat
- Food and cocktail pairing considerations
Why this tasting matters
As agave spirits continue to expand beyond traditional categories, a clear understanding of style, structure, and flavour drivers is increasingly important for sommeliers and beverage professionals.
This tasting is designed to provide transferable, service-focused knowledge applicable to list development, confident service, and guest engagement.
Tickets are R85 per person. To book, email info@sommeliers.org.za.