Espadín (Agave Angustifolia)
The most common agave species in the production of mezcal. This are the largest and qucikest agave to mature hence the popularity among Mezcaleros. Drink this varietal for a less smokey Espadín experience.
Agave: Angustifolia (Espadín)
Category: Artisanal Mezcal Joven
Alcohol Content: 45% Alc. Vol.
Type: 100% Agave
Age of Agave: 6 to 8 years
Production: 20lbs of agave per liter of mezcal bottled
Origin: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca
Scarcity: 86% of all Mezcal produced in 2023 was 100% Espadín- COMERCAM
Tasting Notes
Nose: Floral, musk, Wet earth, Corn silk, Grapefruit
Taste: Light smoke, Corn, Sweet on lips, Long dry finish, Pink peppercorn, Guava
Cuixe (Agave Karwinskii)
Cirial (Agave Karwinskii)
The Agave Karwinskii has several subspecies which are made into mezcals: Madrecuixe, Cuixe, Bicuixe, Cirial, Tobaziche, Barril and Marteño are some of the more common subspeciese used for Mezcal production. The Cuixe sub species is short a bushy tree like agave. This is a favorite Mezcal for the summer, very botanical and refreshing flavor.
Agave: Karwinskii (Cuixe)
Category: Artisanal Mezcal Joven
Alcohol Content: 47% Alc. Vol.
Type: 100% Agave
Age of Agave: 10 to 12 years
Production: 30lbs of agave per liter of mezcal bottled
Origin: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca
Scarcity: Only 1.35% of all Mezcal produced in 2023 was 100% Cuixe- COMERCAM
Tasting Notes
Nose: Green bark, Blood orange, Grapefruit, White pepper, Fresh thyme
Taste: Creamy, Fermented black tea, Tomatillo, Candied orange, Bergamot, Full and dry
The Agave Karwinskii has several subspecies which are made into mezcals: Madrecuixe, Cuixe, Bicuixe, Cirial, Tobaziche, Barril and Marteño being some of the most popular. The Cirial sub species is a tall tree like agave that has historically been used as natural fencing throughout Oaxaca. This agave is has a very woody piña which makes it extra labor intensive to work with.
Agave: Karwinskii (Cirial)
Category: Artisanal Mezcal Joven
Alcohol Content: 46% Alc. Vol.
Type: 100% Agave
Age of Agave: 10 to 12 years
Production: 30lbs of agave per liter of mezcal bottled
Origin: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca
Scarcity: >1% of all Mezcal produced in 2023 was 100% Cirial- COMERCAM
Tasting Notes
Nose: Green roots, Fresh earth, Cantaloupe rind, Bay leaf, Meaty
Taste: Cured meats, Sweet potato, Pumpkin, Pepper, Brazil nut, Berries & Chocolate, Fatty, Spicy finish
Tobalá (Agave Potatorum)
A wild agave species is typically found growing at high elevations in rocky, mountainous terrain in the southern states of Mexico. Tobalá agave has a distinctively compact size and form, with a piña (heart) that is much smaller than other agave varieties. The leaves of the plant are wide, short, and pointed, with a bluish-green hue.
Agave: Potatorum (Tobalá)
Category: Artisanal Mezcal Joven
Alcohol Content: 46% Alc. Vol.
Type: 100% Agave
Age of Agave: 10 to 12 years
Production: 25lbs of agave per liter of mezcal bottled
Origin: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca
Scarcity: Only 2.4% of all mezcal produced in 2023 was 100% Tobalá- COMERCAM
Tasting Notes
Nose: Caramelized peach, Fresh hay, White chocolate, Nutmeg, Pine, Beeswax, Petrichor
Taste: Mouth-filling, Cinnamon, Honeysuckle, Black cherry, Grilled corn, Dates
Tepextate (Agave Marmorata)
Highly prized for its unique flavor profile this varietal is a true gem. Native to high altitude rocky terrain this can inhibit the use of trucks or donkeys for the harvest. These often hand harvested agaves can take up 20-30 years to mature before harvest.
To produce 1 liter of mezcal it can require up to 60lbs of piña depending on the terroir and sugar contents. The resulting Tepextate mezcal is highly sought after for its complex and unique flavor profile.
Agave: Marmorata (Tepextate)
Category: Artisanal Mezcal Joven
Alcohol Content: 46% Alc. Vol.
Type: 100% Agave
Age of Agave: 20 to 30 years
Production: 60lbs of agave per liter of mezcal bottled
Origin: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca
Scarcity: >1% of all mezcal produced in 2023 was 100% Tepextate- COMERCAM
Tasting Notes
Nose: Hot stone, Sea breeze, Black pepper, Leather, Green bark, Grass
Taste: Blueberry, Blackberries, Raw sugar, Mineral, Chewy