​In the world of mezcal, where tradition and craftsmanship are highly valued, Del Que Toma el Cardenal shines as a beacon of authenticity. Founded in 2014 by a passionate group of independent Mexican spirits producers, this cooperative is dedicated to keeping traditional mezcal practices alive while preserving the ancestral legacy of their families. Situated in the picturesque municipality of Santo Domingo Albarradas, nestled in Oaxaca's Valles Centrales region, Del Que Toma el Cardenal follows a set of rigorous rules that go beyond the standard criteria for mezcal certification. Let's delve into the fascinating journey of this cooperative and explore the essence of their heirloom spirits.
Honoring Ancestral Legacy:
Del Que Toma el Cardenal stands as a testament to the deep respect these producers have for their ancestral legacy. Passed down through generations, the wisdom and knowledge surrounding agave spirits are safeguarded and celebrated within this cooperative. By adhering to a strict set of rules, Del Que Toma el Cardenal ensures that the traditional practices and techniques that have shaped the mezcal industry are upheld and cherished.
Meticulous Production Process:
Every step of Del Que Toma el Cardenal's production process is executed with meticulous care, reflecting their unwavering commitment to quality. The cooperative's dedication begins with the selection of only mature agave plants, ensuring a depth of flavor that captures the true essence of mezcal. To honor tradition, these agave plants are cooked in wood ovens, utilizing stones sourced from nearby rivers. This unique method imparts a distinct smoky character, adding complexity and depth to the final product.
The piñas, or hearts of the agave plants, undergo a traditional grinding process in a tahona. Pulled by a mule, the stone wheel of the tahona gently crushes the piñas, extracting their precious juices without compromising the flavors. This time-honored method highlights the cooperative's commitment to preserving craftsmanship and authenticity.
Fermentation and Distillation Excellence:
Del Que Toma el Cardenal takes pride in their fermentation process, which occurs in oak tubs without the addition of any chemicals. This natural fermentation allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in a mezcal that truly reflects the terroir, agave variety, and the purity of the water used. The cooperative's dedication to using traditional methods and ingredients is a testament to their unwavering commitment to producing exceptional mezcal.
The final distillation is carried out in copper pot stills, a time-honored tradition that ensures the highest quality of the spirit. Copper's unique properties play a crucial role in purifying the mezcal, removing impurities while allowing the distinct characteristics of the spirit to shine through. The expertise and craftsmanship of the producers are showcased in every bottle of Del Que Toma el Cardenal.
Preserving Tradition and Culture:
Led by the experienced guidance of Don Fortunato Santiago Pérez, a third-generation maestro from a family of mezcal producers native to the region, Del Que Toma el Cardenal encapsulates the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca's mezcal production. Through their commitment to preserving tradition and culture, this cooperative goes beyond creating a mezcal; they provide a gateway to the ancestral wisdom and multi-generational legacy that has shaped the spirit.
A Welcomed Addition at Aroma Thyme:
At Aroma Thyme, we take immense pride in introducing Del Que Toma el Cardenal to our menu. Beyond being a mezcal, this cooperative agave-spirits project represents a profound connection to tradition, culture, and the preservation of heritage. Each sip of Del Que Toma el Cardenal invites you to embark

Attention, mushroom lovers! We have a delightful dish featuring Lion's Mane and King Trumpet mushrooms sourced from Flowering Sun Ecology in Ellenville that you simply must try. Not only are these mushrooms incredibly delicious, but they also offer a wide range of health benefits. It's a win-win!

Let's start with the Lion's Mane mushroom, known for its potential to improve cognitive function. Studies suggest that Lion's Mane contains compounds that can support brain health and enhance memory and focus. So, while savoring this dish, you may be doing your brain a favor too!

On the other hand, King Trumpet mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress and protecting your cells from damage. Additionally, these mushrooms possess immune-boosting properties, helping to strengthen your body's natural defense mechanisms. It's a tasty way to give your immune system a little extra support.

At Aroma Thyme Bistro, we believe in letting the natural flavors of these incredible mushrooms shine through. That's why we've kept this dish simple, allowing the mushrooms to take center stage. We've prepared them with high-quality balsamic, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and Real Salt to enhance their innate umami flavors. The result? A harmonious blend of tastes that will leave you craving more.

When it comes to ingredients, we always prioritize freshness and quality. Our Lion's Mane and King Trumpet mushrooms are sourced from Flowering Sun Ecology, ensuring that you receive the finest mushrooms available. We take pride in serving you dishes made with love and the best ingredients we can find.

However, like all good things, this dish is available for a limited time only. So, don't wait too long to indulge in this culinary delight at Aroma Thyme Bistro. Treat yourself to a memorable dining experience that combines tantalizing flavors with the health benefits of Lion's Mane and King Trumpet mushrooms.
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Come on over and join us as we celebrate the magic of mushrooms. Your taste buds and well-being will thank you for it. Hurry, while this fantastic dish is still on our menu!

​Hey, friends! Ready for a fun fact? Ever wondered about the plant behind tequila and mezcal? Well, it turns out that agave, the plant used to make Mexico's national spirit, is actually nocturnal! Yes, it's more active at night than during the day.
Agave has cleverly adapted to survive in hot, arid environments by conserving water. During the day, it keeps its stomata closed, preventing water loss through transpiration. Instead, it stores carbon dioxide in its tissues and only opens its stomata at night to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This remarkable process is known as CAM photosynthesis.
So, the next time you sip on a margarita or take a shot of tequila, spare a moment to appreciate the amazing agave plant that made it all possible. It's a fascinating, nocturnal plant that has adapted to thrive in its environment. Cheers to agave!

​Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with some serious flavor? Look no further than Aroma Thyme's prosciutto and fresh imported buffalo milk mozzarella dish!

There's just something special about the combination of savory prosciutto and creamy, mild fresh mozzarella cheese. And at Aroma Thyme, we take it to the next level with the addition of roasted yellow plum tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic, and fresh basil.

The prosciutto we use is a dry-cured ham that has been aged for months, resulting in a bold and intense flavor. It's the perfect complement to the smooth and creamy texture of the fresh imported buffalo milk mozzarella.

But we don't stop there. We add roasted yellow plum tomatoes to the mix, which adds a natural sweetness to the dish. The extra virgin olive oil brings a rich, fruity flavor while the aged balsamic vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet note. And finally, fresh basil adds a touch of herbaceousness and freshness to the dish.

Together, these ingredients create a truly mouth-watering experience that you won't forget anytime soon. And the best part? You can come taste it all for yourself at Aroma Thyme!

Our team of skilled chefs takes pride in using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients to create our dishes. And when it comes to this particular dish, we make sure to use only the best prosciutto and fresh imported buffalo milk mozzarella.
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So, if you're looking for a meal that is sure to impress, come visit us at Aroma Thyme and try our prosciutto and fresh imported buffalo milk mozzarella dish. You won't be disappointed!

Calling all foodies! We need your input! When it comes to wings, what's your preference? Do you enjoy the classic spice of traditional hot wings, or do you crave the smoky sweetness of BBQ?

At Aroma Thyme, we take our wings seriously. We believe that the perfect wing requires a balance of flavor, texture, and heat. That's why we slow smoke our wings for 3 hours, infusing them with rich, smoky flavor before finishing them off to crispy perfection with your choice of sauce.

For those who love a bit of spice, our traditional hot wings are the perfect choice. Made with a classic blend of hot sauce and spices, these wings pack a punch that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

But if you prefer a sweeter, more savory flavor, our BBQ wings are sure to hit the spot. Infused with the rich, smoky flavors of our slow smoking process, these wings are then finished off with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that is sure to delight your taste buds.
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No matter what your preference, we've got you covered at Aroma Thyme. Our wings are made with only the freshest ingredients and are cooked to perfection every time. So what's it gonna be: traditional or BBQ? Let us know in the comments below and come on down to Aroma Thyme to try our wings for yourself!

​​If you're a fan of tiramisu, get ready for a treat! Jamie's Tiramisu is the newest addition to our dessert menu, and it's not your average tiramisu. This delectable dessert is made with a secret ingredient that perfectly complements the espresso and espresso liqueur.

But wait, there's more! We add a half bottle of 20-year-old Tawny Port to the mascarpone mixture, taking this classic dessert to a whole new level of sophistication and flavor. The result is a smooth, creamy dessert that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.

If you're not familiar with Tawny Port, it's a fortified wine that's aged in barrels, giving it a nutty, caramel flavor with a hint of oak. When combined with the creamy mascarpone cheese, it creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Our Jamie's Tiramisu is perfect for those who love to indulge in something sweet and decadent. The combination of espresso, espresso liqueur, Tawny Port, and mascarpone creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. The dessert is then finished off with a dusting of cocoa powder, adding the perfect finishing touch to this masterpiece.
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We're confident that you'll love our Jamie's Tiramisu, but you'll have to hurry! It won't be around forever. So come on down to Jamie's and try this delicious dessert for yourself. We promise you won't be disappointed!