I blacked out. Hard.  But let’s back up and talk about how GREAT things were going before they suddenly took a violent turn for the dark side.  We are going to Tarantino this story a little bit, so bear with me.  The previous day I got a shipment of four new bottles from Old Town Tequila: a Mezcal Vago Arroqueno, 5 Sentidos Madrecuishe, Rey Campero Mexicano, and Rey Campero Tepeztate.  Now, if you’ve ever ordered or transported mezcal to the states you know that waiting to crack these babies open is like waiting to open your presents on Christmas Eve. I was tracking that UP ..read more

Cuishe mezcal (also known as “cuixe” and pronounced “kwee-shay”) is a wild maguey used in mezcal production. It comes from an agave that’s part of the family Karwinskii, along with other well-known species like Madrecuishe, Bicuixe or Tobasiche. This agave has a unique, tall, and slender profile, reminiscent of an elongated tree trunk. The Karwinskiis are in fact the only agave species to have an actual trunk. For that reason, it’s often used as a natural fence between neighboring agave fields. Cuishe agave is wild, thriving in the arid valleys and rugged terrains of Oaxaca, making it less com ..read more

Arroqueño mezcal is a highly prized and rare maguey, created from an agave named Americana var. Oaxacensis. With a maximum height of over 13 feet (4 meters) and piñas weighing up to 660 pounds (300kg), this agave is truly massive. In fact, it’s the largest type of agave used in mezcal production. The Americana var. Oaxacensis is grown wild in the valleys ant mountainous terrains of Oaxaca and San Luis Potosi, and takes up to 20 years to fully mature. Its long maturity time and sheer scarcity is why a bottle of Arroqueño mezcal will typically cost you anywhere between $80 over $200. Fun fact: A ..read more

Madrecuishe mezcal is derived from the long, cylindrical Karwinskii agave. Amongst mezcal aficionados, it’s a highly sought after (and often pricey) mezcal. Madrecuishe Fact Sheet Maturity time: 10-15 years Area: Arid terrain, Oaxaca, Durango and Guerrero Height: 4-6 feet Elevation: 4,000-7,000 feet The Madrecuishe Karwinskii Agave Varietal Known scientifically as Agave karwinskii, this variant agave is cultivated in very dry and mountainous terrains of Mexico, primarily found in Oaxaca, Durango, and Guerrero. Unlike its more common cousin, the Espadín agave, Karwinskii agave requires a long ..read more

Jabalí mezcal is a type of mezcal, crafted from the Agave convallis plant, known commonly as Jabalí, which translates to “wild boar” in Spanish. Only about 1% of all produced mezcal comes from the Jabalí maguey. This plant is smaller and more compact than the more commonly used Agave angustifolia (Espadín), with a distinct rosette of thick, spiky leaves. Due to its rarity, maturity time (12-15 years) and the complicated production process, Jabalí mezcal tends to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. It would be a challenge to find a good bottle under $80 in the US, with many expressions ..read more

cal’s flavor is impacted by a large number of factors including the geography, mezcalero, distillation and fermentation process, and possibly most importantly, the type of agave it’s derived from. In this article we’ll discuss the main types of agave and the magueys they produce. Agave angustifolia Types of mezcal: Espadin Maturation: 6-8 years Agave angustifolia serves as the cornerstone of mezcal production, with more than 80% of all mezcal produced coming from the plant (called Espadin). Mezcals crafted from Espadin agave often have a balance of sweet and earthy flavors, with subtle smoky ..read more

Mexico is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and, of course, its diverse array of delightful liquors and spirits. From the world-famous tequila to lesser-known regional specialties, Mexican liquor reflects the country’s history, geography, and agricultural prowess. In this article we will explore the distinct flavors and origins of each Mexican liquor. Let’s dig in. Tequila Tequila is flat out the country’s most famous spirit (and largest spirit export). Produced predominantly from the state of Jalisco, tequila is created from the blue agave plant, which grows well in ..read more

Mezcal types boast a remarkable diversity, crafted from over 40 types of agave, each offering a unique flavor profile. Different production and aging methods as well as the mezcalero, region and soil all contribute to the unique flavor of a mezcal. The different mezcal types are normally broken down into: Maguey (the agave species, for example Espadín, Tobalá or Tepeztate) Production Method (industrial, artesanal or ancestral) Aging Process (No aging (joven), Reposado or Añejo) In this guide, we will explore the different types mezcal that exist, understand the differences between young and ..read more

Welcome to the captivating world of mezcal, where the smoky allure of agave spirits takes center stage. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to explore Espadín mezcal, a beloved expression that serves as a gateway into the realm of this unique Mexican libation. Whether you’re a mezcal novice or an enthusiast seeking deeper knowledge, join us as we uncover the intricacies of Espadín mezcal, its distinct characteristics, and how it compares to other prominent agave varieties. What is espadin mezcal?   A Versatile Delight Espadín mezcal derives its name from the agave variety used in i ..read more

Mezcal, the traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, has gained popularity around the world in recent years. Its smoky flavor and versatility in cocktails have made it a favorite among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike. But what about its nutritional value? How many calories are in mezcal, and what are its health benefits and drawbacks? Let’s take a closer look. ? How many calories are in mezcal? ℹ️ On average, a 1.5-ounce shot of mezcal contains around 97 calories. Like other alcoholic beverages, mezcal contains calories, but the exact number varies depending ..read more