Agave Spirits Menu and 101
Marcus Guiliano is not only an expert on mezcal and tequila, but he is also a passionate advocate for these popular Mexican spirits. Throughout his career, Guiliano has worked to promote and raise awareness of the rich histories and cultural significance of mezcal and tequila, as well as the traditional methods and techniques that are used to produce them.
One of the ways in which Guiliano has worked to promote mezcal and tequila is through his restaurant, Aroma Thyme Bistro, which is known for its extensive selection of high-quality, artisanal spirits. Guiliano has dedicated himself to seeking out and sourcing unique and authentic mezcals and tequilas from small, independent producers, and he has worked to educate his staff and customers about the different flavors and aromas of these spirits.
In addition to his work at his restaurant, Guiliano has also been active in the wider industry, collaborating with other professionals and organizations to promote and celebrate the diversity and versatility of mezcal and tequila. He has participated in events and festivals, giving talks and conducting tastings and seminars, and he has also been involved in initiatives to support and sustain the traditional methods of production for these spirits.
Overall, Marcus Guiliano is a dedicated and passionate advocate for mezcal and tequila, and his efforts to promote and celebrate these spirits have helped to raise their profile and appreciation among consumers and industry professionals alike.
One of the ways in which Guiliano has worked to promote mezcal and tequila is through his restaurant, Aroma Thyme Bistro, which is known for its extensive selection of high-quality, artisanal spirits. Guiliano has dedicated himself to seeking out and sourcing unique and authentic mezcals and tequilas from small, independent producers, and he has worked to educate his staff and customers about the different flavors and aromas of these spirits.
In addition to his work at his restaurant, Guiliano has also been active in the wider industry, collaborating with other professionals and organizations to promote and celebrate the diversity and versatility of mezcal and tequila. He has participated in events and festivals, giving talks and conducting tastings and seminars, and he has also been involved in initiatives to support and sustain the traditional methods of production for these spirits.
Overall, Marcus Guiliano is a dedicated and passionate advocate for mezcal and tequila, and his efforts to promote and celebrate these spirits have helped to raise their profile and appreciation among consumers and industry professionals alike.
Because there is some much to learn about these little known agave spirits we have created some videos to help your journey. Enjoy
Chef Marcus Guiliano
Chef Marcus Guiliano
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Welcome to our Agave Spirits Menu featuring
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Agave Spirits of Mexico
Mexico is known for Tequila, but did you know that there is far more to Mexico than Tequila. There is a whole new world to discover in agave-based spirits from Mexico. And they have already passed whiskey in sales as of 2022. And they are on track to surpass vodka by the end of 2023.
But what else is there in Mexico besides Tequila? Well, there are at least ve agave spirits in Mexico. Mezcal is the most popular. And then super rare spirits like Raicilla and Bacanora. In fact, some of these spirits have only been legal for just over a decade, but have hundreds of years of history.
The neat thing about some of these other spirits is they never went thru industrialization like Tequila. Lots of them are still made in a family's back yard by master distillers for many generations. Many use hand methods and are produced in very small quantities.
We have also dedicated a section to “other” spirits of Mexico on this list. These can be anything like the mango brandy made by underground fermentation.
We hope you discover and enjoy the traditions of Mexico.
Mexico is known for Tequila, but did you know that there is far more to Mexico than Tequila. There is a whole new world to discover in agave-based spirits from Mexico. And they have already passed whiskey in sales as of 2022. And they are on track to surpass vodka by the end of 2023.
But what else is there in Mexico besides Tequila? Well, there are at least ve agave spirits in Mexico. Mezcal is the most popular. And then super rare spirits like Raicilla and Bacanora. In fact, some of these spirits have only been legal for just over a decade, but have hundreds of years of history.
The neat thing about some of these other spirits is they never went thru industrialization like Tequila. Lots of them are still made in a family's back yard by master distillers for many generations. Many use hand methods and are produced in very small quantities.
We have also dedicated a section to “other” spirits of Mexico on this list. These can be anything like the mango brandy made by underground fermentation.
We hope you discover and enjoy the traditions of Mexico.
TEQUILA
Tequila is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila 65 km northwest of Guadalajara, and in the Jaliscan Highlands of the central-western Mexican state of Jalisco.
Blanco/Silver ~ No or Very Little Oak
Blanco, also known as silver or white tequila, is the purest expression of the agave plant. This clear and unaged spirit captures the essence of the blue agave with its vibrant and lively flavor profile. Produced immediately after distillation, blanco tequila showcases the agave's natural sweetness and herbal characteristics. With its clean and crisp taste, it is the foundation of many traditional tequila cocktails, including the iconic margarita. The absence of aging allows the agave's true flavors to shine through, making blanco tequila a favorite among purists and mixologists alike. Whether sipped straight or used to create refreshing cocktails, this versatile spirit brings a delightful freshness and agave-forward experience to any occasion.
Blanco/Silver ~ No or Very Little Oak
Blanco, also known as silver or white tequila, is the purest expression of the agave plant. This clear and unaged spirit captures the essence of the blue agave with its vibrant and lively flavor profile. Produced immediately after distillation, blanco tequila showcases the agave's natural sweetness and herbal characteristics. With its clean and crisp taste, it is the foundation of many traditional tequila cocktails, including the iconic margarita. The absence of aging allows the agave's true flavors to shine through, making blanco tequila a favorite among purists and mixologists alike. Whether sipped straight or used to create refreshing cocktails, this versatile spirit brings a delightful freshness and agave-forward experience to any occasion.
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Pueblo Viejo-- 1oz: $5 2oz: $10
Cimarron-- 1oz: $6 2oz: $12 Ghost Tequila, Ghost Pepper Infused-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 IXÁ Silver-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Cayeya-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Oro De Lidia-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Siete Leguas-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Terralta-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Pasote-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Los Dos-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Wild Common-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Wild Common Still Strength-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Tequila Ocho, Single Estate Plata-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Lalo-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Siembra Azul-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Siembra Valles-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Primo 1861-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 G4-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 G4 Plata, Still Strength -- 1oz: $10 2oz: 20 G4 Madera Ferment Limited-- 1oz: $14 2oz: $28 |
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Aguila -- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16
Aguila Tahona -- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Don Vincente -- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Amatiteña-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Volans Ultra Premium-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Volans Ultra Still Strength 106-- 1oz: $11 2oz: $22 Fortaleza-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Cascahuin-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Cascahuin Tahona-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Cascahuín Plata 48-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Siembra Valles Ancestral ~ Still Strenght ~ Wooden Mallet Extracted - 1oz: $12 2oz: $24 Cazcanes No.7-- 1oz: $14 2oz: $28 Cazcanes No.9-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30 Siete Leguas-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Siete Leguas, 70 yr Decades-- 1oz: $14 2oz: $28 |
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Joven
"Joven" tequila, also known as "Gold" or "Young" tequila, is a type of tequila that is a blend of different categories of tequila: blanco (unaged) and reposado or añejo (aged). Joven tequila is typically a mix of aged and unaged tequilas that are combined to create a balanced flavor profile. The aged tequila adds complexity and depth, while the unaged tequila maintains the fresh and vibrant characteristics of the agave. Siembra Valles Aniversario 2 month oak & blanco blend-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24 Reposado ~ 2-11 Months in Oak Reposado tequila, meaning "rested" in Spanish, is an exquisite and versatile spirit that undergoes a unique aging process, imparting it with a distinct character and smoothness. This type of tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but no more than a year. During this resting period, the tequila absorbs the rich flavors and colors from the wood, resulting in a golden hue and a harmonious balance of agave sweetness and subtle oak notes. The aging process mellows out the tequila's sharp edges, providing a refined and complex taste profile that is both enjoyable on its own or as the star of a classic cocktail. Whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a margarita, reposado tequila is the perfect choice for those seeking a balanced and sophisticated drinking experience. Casco Viejo-- 1oz: $5 2oz: $10
Siete Leguas-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Tequila Ocho, Single Estate -- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Comisario-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Oro De Lidia -- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Siembra Azul-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Volans Ultra Premium-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Wild Common-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Fortaleza-- 1oz: $11 2oz: $22 G4-- 1oz: $11 2oz: $22 G4 Madera Ferment Super Limited-- 1oz: $30 2oz: $60 Cayeya Single Barrel-- 1oz: $14 2oz: $28 Cazcanes No.7-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30 |
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Añejo ~ Over 11 Months in Oak
Añejo tequila, the epitome of sophistication, is a true testament to the art of aging and craftsmanship. Aged for a minimum of one year in oak barrels, this amber-hued spirit acquires a remarkable complexity and depth. The extended aging process grants añejo tequila a velvety smoothness, with rich caramel and vanilla notes that meld harmoniously with the agave's inherent sweetness. The time spent in the barrel imparts a refined character, balancing the natural agave flavors with the nuances of wood and spice. Savoring añejo tequila is a sensorial experience that rewards the palate with a symphony of flavors. Enjoy it neat or in an old-fashioned cocktail, and allow its warmth and complexity to transport you to a world of refined indulgence. 23 Tequila, Tres Estate Bottled -- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16
Siempre -- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Comisario Ultra-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Oro De Lidia -- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Siete Leguas, -- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Casa San Matias Cristal -- 1oz: $10 2oz: $20 Cazcanes No.7-- 1oz: $18 2oz: $36 |
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Extra-Añejo ~Over 36 Months in Oak
Extra añejo tequila, the crown jewel of the tequila family, represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and dedication to excellence. Aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels, this extraordinary spirit possesses an unparalleled depth and richness. Its deep amber hue alludes to the intense flavors that lie within. Extra añejo tequila offers a symphony of complex aromas and tastes, with layers of caramel, chocolate, dried fruits, and spices intertwining with the essence of agave. Each sip reveals a new facet, showcasing the intricacies of its extended maturation. This exceptionally smooth and luxurious tequila is best enjoyed as a sipping spirit, allowing its intricate flavors to unfold and captivate the senses. Immerse yourself in the opulence of extra añejo tequila and discover a world of indulgence and refinement. Terralta-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $12
Oro De Lidia-- 1oz: $10 2oz: $20 Casa San Matias Gran Reserva-- 1oz: $10 2oz: $20 G4 -- 1oz: 15 2oz: $30 Volans Extra Premium-- 1oz: $20 2oz: $40 Tres Cuatro Cinco "3, 4 y 5"-- 1oz: $40 2oz: $80 Volans Extra Anejo 6 Year - 1oz: $50 2oz: $100 |
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SOTOLSotol, a remarkable agave spirit with a rich history, captivates with its distinctive flavors and cultural significance. Crafted from the wild Dasylirion plant, native to the Chihuahuan Desert, Sotol showcases the skilled artistry of its producers. This spirit is meticulously crafted through a traditional distillation process that highlights the unique characteristics of the plant.
Sotol is known for its earthy and herbaceous notes, evoking the essence of the desert landscape from which it originates. With a smooth and velvety texture, Sotol offers a delicate balance between sweet and savory flavors, blending hints of roasted agave, wildflowers, and desert minerals. Its complexity is further enhanced by subtle smoky undertones and a touch of citrus, resulting in a truly captivating taste experience. This versatile agave spirit can be enjoyed neat, allowing its nuanced flavors to take center stage, or mixed into craft cocktails for a creative twist. Sotol invites you to embark on a sensory journey, embracing the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert in every sip. Experience the essence of this extraordinary agave spirit and discover a taste that embodies the spirit of the land. Herodes Artesnal – Dasylirion – Durango --1oz: $6 2oz: $12 Coyote, Alejandro Solís – Dasylirion – Cuencamé, Durango --1oz: $6 2oz: $12 Coyote, Maestro Sotolero Gerardo Ruelas Dasylirion – Aldama Chihuahua --1oz: $6 2oz: $12 Origen Raiz, Valentin Cortes - Dasyliron --- Tuitan, Durango -- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30 |
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BACANORABacanora is an agave-derived liquor made in the Mexican state of Sonora. The distillation of Bacanora was illegal until 1992, being bootlegged by vinateros for many generations.
Kilinga, Bacanora Premium Silvestre Agave angustifolia-- 1oz: $6 2oz: $12 Casa Tres Amigos Santo Cuviso – Agave Angustifolia-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18 RAICILLARaicilla is a distilled spirit, originating in the southwestern portion of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Like tequila and mezcal, it is a product of the agave plant. Raicilla has only been legal since 2009. It was considered Mexico’s “moonshine”. The producers claimed it was produced from the agave root instead of the agave head and thus not eligible for taxation.
Estancia – Maximiliana-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Estancia Pechuga – Maximiliana-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 |
MEZCALMezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of maguey. The word mezcal comes from Nahuatl mexcalli which means "oven-cooked agave"
Herodes Reposado “Pechuga” – Espadin ~ Oaxaca-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Agave de Cortés Francisco Cortes Hernandez – Espadin ~ Oaxaca-- 1oz: $6 2oz: $12 Mezcal Local Pechuga (vegan), Leonel Hernández, Hand Tahona Espadín ~ Oaxaca-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Rompe Corazón Mezcal, Heartbreaker Premium Joven – Espadin ~ Oaxaca-- 1oz: $5 2oz: $10 Rompe Corazón Mezcal, Heartbreaker Premium Reposado – Espadin ~ Oaxaca-- 1oz: $6 2oz: $12 El Jolgorio Tio Pedro Madrecuishe Santiago Matatlan Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24 El Jolgorio Pechuga Joven Espadín - Santiago, Matatlan, Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24 |
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DECLASSIFIED AGAVE “MEZCALES”
These are agave-based spirits that don’t meet any of the official classifications. They are still distilled from agave and most in a traditional method that preserves the local culture.
Gusto Historico, Victor Ramos Destilado -- Bicuixe Y Espadin ~ Miahuatlán, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14
Del Que Toma el Cardenal Don Fortunato Santiago Pérez Tobalá ~ Albarradas, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18
Chacolo Don Macario Partida – Brocha and Ixtero Amarillo Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
The maguey Brocha is an agave Angustifolia, sub-varietal related to Espadin, and the maguey Ixtero Amarillo is an agave Rhodacantha, sub-varietal related to Mexicano. These agaves are 3-4 year capon. The agave is cooked in an underground oven and milled by hand with axes. Once cooked and milled, the agave is fermented naturally in wooden tinas with mountain spring water. Finally, they are double distilled in a Filipino style still.
Erstwhile 2021 Silveria Garcia Luis & Epifania Gomez Mejia – Tepezate Limited Edition Ancestral – Tepeztate Joven - Oaxaca-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
A legacy of the era when Mezcal production was illegal in Oaxaca, this batch of Tepeztate crafted by Silverio García Luis – a 2021 Ancestral Limited Release – rescues a García family tradition that had been forgotten for more than forty years. Don Lencho, Silverio’s father, used a hollowed-out quiote (the flowering stalk of agave plants) instead of a copper turbante, to evade the military that would come and seize his distillation equipment by force.
Gusto Historico, Victor Ramos Destilado -- Bicuixe Y Espadin ~ Miahuatlán, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $7 2oz: $14
Del Que Toma el Cardenal Don Fortunato Santiago Pérez Tobalá ~ Albarradas, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18
Chacolo Don Macario Partida – Brocha and Ixtero Amarillo Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
The maguey Brocha is an agave Angustifolia, sub-varietal related to Espadin, and the maguey Ixtero Amarillo is an agave Rhodacantha, sub-varietal related to Mexicano. These agaves are 3-4 year capon. The agave is cooked in an underground oven and milled by hand with axes. Once cooked and milled, the agave is fermented naturally in wooden tinas with mountain spring water. Finally, they are double distilled in a Filipino style still.
Erstwhile 2021 Silveria Garcia Luis & Epifania Gomez Mejia – Tepezate Limited Edition Ancestral – Tepeztate Joven - Oaxaca-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
A legacy of the era when Mezcal production was illegal in Oaxaca, this batch of Tepeztate crafted by Silverio García Luis – a 2021 Ancestral Limited Release – rescues a García family tradition that had been forgotten for more than forty years. Don Lencho, Silverio’s father, used a hollowed-out quiote (the flowering stalk of agave plants) instead of a copper turbante, to evade the military that would come and seize his distillation equipment by force.
LALOCURA
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Lalocura is made by Eduardo “Lalo” Angeles in Santa Catarina Minas. Known widely for his expertise in clay-pot distillation, Lalo cuts no corners when making his mezcal. The agave are cooked in an underground stone horno with Encino wood, mashed by hand using mallets, fermented with natural open air yeasts for 12 days, and then double distilled in a small clay pot still.
L1 - Tobalo Chino -- Eduardo “Lalo” Angeles-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30 L2 - Tobalo -- Eduardo “Lalo” Angeles-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30 L3 - Cuishe -- Eduardo “Lalo” Angeles-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30 L4 Espadin -- Eduardo “Lalo” Angeles --1oz: $15 2oz: $30L5 Tobasiche -- Eduardo "Lalo" Angeles -- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30 |
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MAGUEY MELATE
Maguey Melate was founded on two ideas: 1) Artisanal agave spirits are amazing and should be shared with the world, and 2) The faster-cheaper economy is a harmful force for people, the environment, and now agave spirits. They believe if mezcal (and agave spirits) can be understood and appreciated at its full potential, people will show their preference for quality artisanal mezcal that is sustainably and fairly sourced. By raising consumer consciousness on the origins of mezcal and educating enthusiasts on matters of quality and character, informed people will be empowered to ensure the future of mezcal. To do this, they’re reaching a large audience with an impactful message: KEEP MEZCAL ARTISANAL!
MM 1 - Arroqueño 2014 – Semei Garcia Ramos ~ Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MM 2 - Madrecuishe - German Manzano Martinez ~ Zoquitlan, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MM 3 - Papalometl (aka Tobala) – Jose Erubiel Mota Matrinez ~ Zapotitlán Lagunas, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MM 4 - Tobasiche & Madrecuishe, Rosario Ángeles Vásquez ~ Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MM 5 - Tobala – Federico Valentín Alva Ibáñez -San Nicolás Huajuapan, Puebla-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MM 6 - Mexicano 2012 – Semei Garcia Ramos Barril ~ Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
MM 7 - Barril – Semei Garcia Ramos Barril ~ Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
MM 8 - Tobaziche – Felix Angeles Arellanes Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
MM 9 - Tobasiche & Barril – Gregorio Hernandez Lopez ~ La Compania, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
MM 2 - Madrecuishe - German Manzano Martinez ~ Zoquitlan, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MM 3 - Papalometl (aka Tobala) – Jose Erubiel Mota Matrinez ~ Zapotitlán Lagunas, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MM 4 - Tobasiche & Madrecuishe, Rosario Ángeles Vásquez ~ Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MM 5 - Tobala – Federico Valentín Alva Ibáñez -San Nicolás Huajuapan, Puebla-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MM 6 - Mexicano 2012 – Semei Garcia Ramos Barril ~ Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
MM 7 - Barril – Semei Garcia Ramos Barril ~ Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
MM 8 - Tobaziche – Felix Angeles Arellanes Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
MM 9 - Tobasiche & Barril – Gregorio Hernandez Lopez ~ La Compania, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
MEZONTE
Mezonte is a noprofit organization that promotes, supports, and preserves the production and practices of traditional agave spirits. Mezonte’s main objective is to create awareness of the cultural and biological value that these spirits represent. They feature agave spirits from all over Mexico, with an emphasis on Jalisco and Michoacán. Their producers make mezcal, raicilla, barranca, tuxca, sikua, or any other name used for distilled agave in this region. When Mezonte buys a batch from a producer, they only buy 60% of the batch because they want the community and the culture of the community to continue to consume and enjoy as they have for hundreds of years.
MZ 1 - Mezonte, Hildegardo “Japo” Joya – Maguey Amarillo-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
MZ 1 - Mezonte, Hildegardo “Japo” Joya – Maguey Amarillo-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
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MZ 2 - Mezonte, Jorge Perez Inaequidens ~ Michoacán-- 1oz: $20 2oz: $40
Mezonte Michoacan is made with maguey Alto (agave Inaequidens) in Rio de Parras, Querendaro, Michoacan. The agave are cooked in a shallow brick oven (if you dig too deep, you hit water), fermented in brick with about 6 liters of pulque, and distilled in a hollowed-out tree trunk that has a copper top. This is made by master distiller Jorge Perez. The first batch imported into the US was produced in 2018 at just 285 liters. MZ 3 - Mezonte, Lorenzo Virgen Chancuellar, Jalisco-- 1oz: $18 2oz: $36 Virgin Lorenzo used Ixtero Amarillo, Cimarrón, Cimarrón Prieto, and Cenizo for Batch #2. The piñas are cooked in an earth and stone oven for 3-4 days roasted with mesquite. Afterward, the piñas are chopped by hand with an axe then fermented for more than two weeks in plastic vats. Distillation is done by Filipino still with a copper saucepan inserted. This is basically uncertified Raicilla. MZ 4 - Mezonte Santos Juarez 2018 - Alimeno & Cimarron – Jalisco-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30 Banana and corn leaves cover the conical underground oven where the maguey roasts for 3 to 5 days with mesquite firewood. After this process, it is uncovered and crushed with wooden or metal mallets directly on the rock floor where the fermentation vats are, or as they call it: It is probably the oldest method of fermentation for mezcales. The stills are hand-made tools, made of a hollowed-out trunk of parota tree and with a copper bowl base. These tools allow great precision and effectiveness, even though they are handcrafted. |
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MEZCAL TOSBA ~ San Cristoball, Oaxaca
As migrants living in Silicon Valley, CA, in 1999, Edgar González Ramírez and his cousin Elisandro González Molina were inspired and influenced by the entrepreneurialism that surrounded them. Concerned by the increasing rate in which people were leaving their village of San Cristobal Lachirioag, in the Cajonos-Villa Alta region of the Sierra Juárez mountains, they decided to start Mezcal Tosba. The creation of the brand represents an attempt to rescue the disappearing local culture of distillation, in turn bringing economic opportunity back to the area.
Mezcal Tosba employs traditional methods of production, but the cousins are also paying close attention to sustainability, understanding that agave by its very definition is unsustainable. At Tosba, the team has been harvesting the flowers and hijuelos of wild varieties like the prized Tobalá, Tepextate, and even Agave Durangensis from the state of Durango. These babies are carefully raised in Tosba’s greenhouse nursery before replanting into their fields. The lands around the Villa Alta are rich in biodiversity. The agaves used for Mezcal Tosba’s production grow among coffee, mango, wild fruit trees and sugarcane, contributing to the surrounding area and subsequent natural balance and health of the terroir. The water is pure, clear, and slightly sweet (referred to locally as agua dulce), taken directly from natural springs flowing in the mountains around the distillation site.
Mezcal Tosba employs traditional methods of production, but the cousins are also paying close attention to sustainability, understanding that agave by its very definition is unsustainable. At Tosba, the team has been harvesting the flowers and hijuelos of wild varieties like the prized Tobalá, Tepextate, and even Agave Durangensis from the state of Durango. These babies are carefully raised in Tosba’s greenhouse nursery before replanting into their fields. The lands around the Villa Alta are rich in biodiversity. The agaves used for Mezcal Tosba’s production grow among coffee, mango, wild fruit trees and sugarcane, contributing to the surrounding area and subsequent natural balance and health of the terroir. The water is pure, clear, and slightly sweet (referred to locally as agua dulce), taken directly from natural springs flowing in the mountains around the distillation site.
T1 - Espadin – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16
T2 - Espadin Pechuga – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18
T3 - Espadilla – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $10 2oz: $20
T4 - Cenzio – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
T5 - Tobali – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
T6 - Waraash – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
T7 - Jabali Pechuga Jabali (Boar) Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $25 2oz: $50
T2 - Espadin Pechuga – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18
T3 - Espadilla – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $10 2oz: $20
T4 - Cenzio – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
T5 - Tobali – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
T6 - Waraash – Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
T7 - Jabali Pechuga Jabali (Boar) Edgar Hernandez-- 1oz: $25 2oz: $50
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MACURICHOS MEZCAL
Led by maestro mezcalero Gonzalo Martinez, Mezcal Macurichos is dedicated to the protection of the cultural tradition and the agricultural heritage of agave within the iconic mezcal production community of Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico. The family employs numerous neighbors and is one of the rare distillers the area who still produce using Ancestral methods, including clay pot stills. Gonzalo and his brothers cultivate their own diverse fields of agave – planting from seed and reforesting the diminishing wild agave populations.
M1 - Espadin Conejo Ancestral – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $11 2oz: $22
M2 - Espadin con Cacao Ancestral – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $11 2oz: $22
M3 - Joven Madrecuishe – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18
M4 - Ensamble: Cirial, Madrecuishe, Barril & Bicuishe -- Gonzalo Martinez--- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18
M5 - Arroqueno Joven Artesanal – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $14 2oz: $28
M6 - Puntas De Tepeztate – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
M7 - Puntas De Cucharilla – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
M8 - Puntas de Jabali -- Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $20 2oz: $40
M9 - Arroqueno Arroqueno Joven Ancestral -- Rafael Serras-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
M10 - Ensamble: Crassuspina, Maguey Blanco & Arroqueno – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $20 2oz: $40
M1 - Espadin Conejo Ancestral – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $11 2oz: $22
M2 - Espadin con Cacao Ancestral – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $11 2oz: $22
M3 - Joven Madrecuishe – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18
M4 - Ensamble: Cirial, Madrecuishe, Barril & Bicuishe -- Gonzalo Martinez--- 1oz: $9 2oz: $18
M5 - Arroqueno Joven Artesanal – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $14 2oz: $28
M6 - Puntas De Tepeztate – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
M7 - Puntas De Cucharilla – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
M8 - Puntas de Jabali -- Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $20 2oz: $40
M9 - Arroqueno Arroqueno Joven Ancestral -- Rafael Serras-- 1oz: $15 2oz: $30
M10 - Ensamble: Crassuspina, Maguey Blanco & Arroqueno – Gonzalo Martinez-- 1oz: $20 2oz: $40
OTHER MEXICAN SPIRITS
Jose Jaime Morales Aquino Village- Villa Hidalgo, Yalalag Agaves matured-5 Mo Wild Grinder-by hand Fermentation- 5-8 days in clay underground Still Type- Clay Pot
MI2 - Maguey Melate Plum Brandy-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MI4 - Maguey Melate Mango Brandy-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
4 - Pajarote, Ponche de Chocolate Liqueur-- 1oz: $10 2oz: $10
Dakabend, San Cristoball, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16
MI2 - Maguey Melate Plum Brandy-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
MI4 - Maguey Melate Mango Brandy-- 1oz: $12 2oz: $24
4 - Pajarote, Ponche de Chocolate Liqueur-- 1oz: $10 2oz: $10
Dakabend, San Cristoball, Oaxaca-- 1oz: $8 2oz: $16
