Miami has claimed a new accolade in the spirits industry, with local company Desolas Mezcal earning the title of Best of Class in the Mezcal category at the 2024 New York World Spirits Competition (NYWSC). The brand, founded by Miami native GG Mirvis during the pandemic, has quickly ascended to the top of its class, challenging established names on the global stage. The NYWSC, hosted by the Tasting Alliance, is a premier event that celebrates excellence in spirits, wines, and beers and has been doing so since its inaugural wine competition in 1980.
Desolas Mezcal, despite being a relatively new player in the industry, managed to not only secure a medal but to also take home the coveted Best of Class distinction. This honor is reserved for the highest-performing spirit in each category. The NYWSC awards spirits with medals ranging from bronze to platinum, making the achievement by this young Miami brand all the more remarkable. According to a statement obtained by the Miami New Times, GG Mirvis expressed surprise and gratification upon learning about the win, emphasizing the value of belief in one's work and the affirming power of recognition.
The Tasting Alliance, responsible for the NYWSC, is well-respected in the industry for identifying and celebrating the finest spirits from across the globe. The competition is part of a broader family of events that began with the San Francisco International Wine Competition and expanded to include the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2000, followed by the NYWSC in 2018. Desolas Mezcal's rise to prominence is not just a victory for the brand but also a testament to the enduring quality and appeal of mezcal as a spirit.
"When I received the email, I was shocked," Mirvis told Miami New Times. "My first question was: Does that mean we won the Best Mezcal? I'm not the kind of person that has won a lot of things, but the bottle has been winning a lot, and I'm always shocked." His words underscore a story of genuine surprise and humility at the success of a product crafted with passion and dedication. This sentiment was similarly captured in a brief post on Instagram by miamilately, drawing attention to Desolas Mezcal's stellar performance at the NYWSC and its newfound status among the industry's elite.
