The specification for Mezcalero is that it be distilled at least 50% from wild or semi-wild agaves; in actuality, most of them are 100% from such agaves.

The agave is an unusually complex, flavorful, and interesting form of life. It produces correspondingly complex distillation material, which is why it makes such a difference that Oaxacan artisan producers include the solids (unlike tequila). Artisan mezcal distillers really know their material: it grows nearby.

Wild and semi-wild agaves produce mezcals with singular intensity. The flavors – there’s a surprisingly wide range – tend to be both distinct and complex. To date (2016), Mezcalero has used the following agaves: Arroqueño (agave Americana var. Oaxaqueña), Bicuishe and Madrecuishe (separate varieties of agave Karwinskii), Papalote (agave Cupreata), Dobadán (agave Mexicana), Sierra Negra (agave Americana), Tepeztate (agave Marmorata), and Tobalá (agave Potatorum).

Craft Distillers

Craft Distillers