Maestro DOBEL has always been keen to celebrate the Day of the Dead festival (which this year falls on 2 November) in a different style from other tequila brands – more organic, less frenetic – suited to an agave spirit made for sipping. In 2022, this is particularly true as Maestro DOBEL Añejo is finally launched in the UK on 1 November – exclusively at Selfridges. To celebrate this fact, it has partnered with Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens for its exciting Mexico exhibition.

Añejo tequilas must be aged for between one and three years. To a whisky drinker, this may not seem long, but bear in mind the different effect of the Jalisco meteorology from that of Speyside weather. Not all Añejos are the same – age can see them lose some of the more interesting notes of the original agave character and just take on woody flavours. Juan Domingo Beckmann and his maestros tequileros have learned from 10 previous generations of tequila makers and perfected a blend of different ages within the bracket to create what many would view as the ultimate Añejo.

The amber glow is a visual foretaste of the rich intensity to come… smooth and nutty with vanilla notes but with highlights of orchard and tropical fruits, enough herby and vegetal notes to maintain its agave authenticity, and just a whispering wisp of smoke to chase. It has a long but refreshingly dry finish that tends to lead to a second pour. At the price, though, it offers remarkable value as a premium aged spirit.

While authentic tequila can only be made from one varietal of agave, Weber Azul, it grows in a wonderfully biodiverse setting. In fact, Mexico claims 12 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. To celebrate this fact and its imminent UK launch, Maestro DOBEL has been a partner of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew for its Mexico festival which has run throughout October. This weekend is the last chance to see some very special art and botanical installations.

Betsabeé Romero’s Day of the Dead installations in Mexico City and beyond have become legendary. Here in the Temperate House, the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world, she has installed a giant chandelier shaped like the Quincunce pattern (four leaves around a central heart) an ancient symbol of humanity’s close bond to the natural world. In addition, she has added a second installation, The Altar, inspired by the Mayan festival Hanal Pixan, which allows visitors a chance for quiet reflection.

Another must-see is the work of Fernando Laposse, who has woven tapestries using materials including agave sisal – fibres from the leaves cut away from the central piña used to make tequila. Titled Fantastic Jungle Sloths, these golden artworks weave their way through the Temperate House’s upper canopy in striking style while celebrated garden designer Jon Wheatley – inspired by the surrealist Mexican garden, La Pozas – has created a piece showcasing unusual Mexican plant species, including some from Kew’s own collection.

Visit Kew between 10am and 5pm before Monday 31 October. Buy an additional ticket for the Mexico festival on entry.

Maestro DOBEL Añejo, £79.99; maestrodobel.com; selfridges.com; kew.org