Description
Composed of 100% Agave Tequiliana Weber, variety Azul (Blue Agave). Produced with the ancient method prevalent before the diffusion of above-ground cooking in the 1850s. Hacienda De Guadalupe is in Juitzila, Zacatecas, a few miles from the tequila valley just across the state border. Identical climate and weather conditions. Maestro Mezcalero Jaime Banuelos smokes the blue agaves in a Horno de Tierra (roasting pit), then crushes them with a traditional tahona, ferments naturally with wild yeast, and distills in small copper pot stills. This method develops exceptional flavour profile: on the nose it's like a higher-ABV tequila, but with strong depth of smoke and earthiness. On the palate it has the full-mouth coating texture of traditional mezcal, but elegant notes usually associated with tequila. On the finish the blue agave is very distinctive, and leaves a long tequila-like freshness with earth under notes.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE - Starts with a big peppery hit backed up by green and leafy touches that peek in around the sides. Mineral notes build, with touches of rich earth and gentle barbecue smoke. The smoke makes a right turn into coal territory: cold fireplaces the next day.
PALATE- Sweet and rich. Candied orange mix with flamed orange zest. Pepper and earth provide a savoury backing, with chocolate notes and a gentle wisp of wood smoke playing a counterpoint. Fruity roasted agave sits underneath.
FINISH - Soft smoke fades to reveal umami richness and a hint of sweet mint.
COMMENT - Classic mezcal, with controlled smoke, agave fruit and peppery spice in perfect balance.
