Overview: M Cantina in Dearborn, Michigan, has established itself as a premier destination for agave spirit selection. The establishment currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest variety of commercially available agave spirits at a restaurant. This collection totals 1,825 bottles, surpassing the previous record holder located in New Jersey.
The Full Story
Led by chef and owner Junior Merino, the contemporary Mexican restaurant specializes in halal Nuevo Latino street food while maintaining an extensive inventory of 100% agave spirits. The collection includes mainstream brands such as Patrón, Herradura, Casa Dragones, and 818 Tequila Blanco alongside rare varieties like raicilla and sotol. Merino, a Mexican native and official Ambassador of Gastronomy & Tourism & Promoter of All Mexican Beverages, has devoted his professional life to sourcing these spirits, particularly obscure brands. This inventory surpassed the previous world record held by Meximodo in Metuchen, New Jersey, which featured 1,033 selections.
Production & Profile
The selection features distinctive packaging and complex profiles. Casino Azul Añejo Jaguar presents a 40% ABV tequila with vanilla notes housed in a handcrafted gold jaguar bottle, retailing for $235. Crotalo Extra Añejo Snakehead arrives in a kitschy bottle topped with a snakehead cork, aged seven years in French Oak and Port wine barrels at a price of $142.99. Higher-end options include the Fortaleza Winter Blend 2021 Reposado, which commands $600 per bottle. This tequila undergoes six months in American oak barrels followed by ten months in French oak barrels that previously aged Marsala wine. Clase Azul’s five-year limited edition series, Nuestros Recuerdos, depicts aspects of Día de los Muertos and retails for $1,899 per bottle.
What This Means
The achievement aligns with Guinness World Records standards, which encourage pushing boundaries beyond comprehension. Many records focus on food and beverage extremes, such as layers in a deli sandwich or soda consumption times. For tequila and mezcal enthusiasts, this location offers a definitive benchmark for variety and selection within the hospitality sector.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers seeking rare finds can make the pilgrimage to Dearborn to access these spirits in person. While Clase Azul’s Nuestros Recuerdos can be found online, the M Cantina shelves offer the more affordable way to partake in these luxury brands. The inventory allows patrons to explore high-end options like the Fortaleza Winter Blend 2021 Reposado directly at the restaurant.
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