Maya Pistola Agavepura launches premium variants

Maya Pistola Agavepura, Asia's first premium 100% Agave spirit, announced the launch of its highly anticipated Añejo and Extra Añejo variants in Mumbai. These exceptional expressions mark a new chapter in the brand's journey, offering connoisseurs an elevated sipping experience that embodies the artistry and tradition of agave distillation. Crafted with precision and passion, Maya Pistola Agavepura's Añejo and Extra Añejo variants showcase the brand's commitment to quality and authenticity. Each expression is meticulously aged, imparting rich flavors and complexities that discerning palates will appreciate.

The Añejo (An-ye-ho), which means 'vintage' in Spanish, is a highly acclaimed expression. This variant delights with its smooth and nuanced character. With its deep golden-brown hue, Maya Pistola Añejo has 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 (Extra An-ye-ho) variant is the most premium spirit of the Maya Pistola Agavepura range available in the market 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 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 flavors of dark chocolate, spiced caramel, candied cherries, toffee, and honey, rounded with a sophisticated subtle smoky finish. Similar to 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 (United Kingdom) honoured the brand with two Silvers for its Añejo & Extra Añejo variants. At the Global Spirits Masters Competition (United Kingdom), the Añejo variants secured Gold while at the Bartender Spirits Awards (United States of America), the Añejo variants earned a Bronze award.

"We are thrilled to introduce our Añejo and Extra Añejo variants to our discerning consumers," said, Rakshay Dhariwal, director and founder, Maya Pistola Agavepura.

"These expressions represent the pinnacle of our craftsmanship, showcasing the depth and complexity that can only be achieved through time-honored aging techniques. We are confident that both connoisseurs and new-age consumers alike will appreciate the unparalleled quality and flavor profile of these exceptional spirits."

“Both the Añejo and Extra Añejo variants are rich, bold and complex spirits, with their own unique characteristics and nuances. The Añejo is reminiscent of a Christmas cake packed with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and spices and cherished for the joy 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,” says chief operating officer Kimberly Pereira.

Maya Pistola Agavepura's new premium variants, priced at INR 7,850 for Añejo (700 ml) and INR 17,500 for Extra Añejo (700 ml) respectively, are available at select retail stores in Maharashtra. The Nips are available for INR 2,495 (180 ml) for the Añejo and INR 4,500 (180 ml) for Extra Añejo. The variants will also be pouring at leading F&B establishments in Mumbai.

To celebrate the launch of the Añejo and Extra Añejo expressions, Maya Pistola Agavepura has planned 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 first-hand. Participating hospitality brands include Tresind, Ekaa, SAZ, Cirqa, Amadeo, Koishii, PCO, Koi Bar, Mizu, Bandra Born, Bay Club and Pali Bhavan.

India's answer to the popular premium Tequilas and Mezcals, Maya Pistola Agavepura is positioned to be Asia's only home-grown, premium, 100% aged agave spirit in a fast-growing and exciting spirits category. The UK-based IWSR, a global beverage market research company, projects agave spirits to grow at a 7% CAGR till 2030, while Fortune Business Insights has the global market for agave growing by 8.49%. In India itself, the projected growth for agave is even higher, with an expected growth rate of 12.69% for the same period according to the iMarc group. Moreover, according to independent studies, the growth in the premium, 100% aged Agave segment is up to 60%. With this global premiumization of Tequila and Mezcal, Pistola’s high-end, aged expressions, the Añejo and Extra Añejo are well timed to serve the appetite of the Indian market.

Launched in 2022, Maya Pistola Agavepura has become a symbol of excellence in the realm of agave spirits. Since then, the brand has expanded its reach from Goa to several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, and most recently to West Bengal, and Assam. In May 2024 the brand was also available in select cities in the United States of America including Chicago, New Jersey and Washington DC, as well as Singapore, and Thailand.

In April 2024, Diageo India’s United Spirits acquired a 15% stake in Inspired Hospitality (holding company for Maya Pistola Agavepura) for Rs 5.65 crore through the subscription of 3,494 Compulsory Convertible Preference Shares and 10 equity shares of Maya Pistola Agavepura, constituting 15% of the brand’s fully diluted share capital. The remaining stakeholding is held privately with the Dhariwal family.