Spirits distributor Spirit Cartel has signed a distribution agreement with Mexican craft tequila producer Orendain, which will see the company introduce two tequila products to the UK.

Orendain is one of the most popular tequila producers in Mexico, and its Cantinero drinks balance hot peppery notes with the sweetness of agave.

According to Spirit Cartel, the Blanco tequila has “Agave at the forefront, with an abundance of orange citrus and a long dry, earthy, finish”; while the Reposado has a “subtle oak spice with vanilla bean and hints of stone fruit.”

Orendain’s Reposado tequila and the new Blanco tequila will be made available to the UK’s on-trade as a result of the agreement, which aims to provide attractive new options to the UK’s growing tequila market.

According to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, the total value of tequila sales have increased 37% in the last two years, largely driven by 20-24-year-olds.

Orendain’s drinks are produced without mechanical diffusors, which can strip away the flavour and add bitter notes to tequila products.

David Hood, general manager at Spirit Cartel said: “This deal is a real coup for us – and another sign of our commitment to bringing the very best tequilas to the UK on-trade.

“We want to show agave at its best – it’s time to move on from those ‘thin’, industrial, tequilas and give customers a taste of some of Mexico’s finest.”