PHOTO GALLERY
The word mezcal is derived from the Nahuatl language: Mexcallí.
Metl = MagueyIxcalli = Cocido
Mezcal is obtained by means of a long and complex artisan process of baking, fermentation and distillation of the heart of the maguey cactus.
Each type of mezcal is unique, its flavor determined by the species of maguey, the tradition of the region in which it is produced and the recipe of the master mezcalero in charge.
Agave Karwinskii
Agave Americana
Agave Cupreata
Agave Angustifolia
Agave Potatorum
Agave Salmiana
Agave Marmorata
Agave Duranguensis
1- Care of the ecosystem
To ensure the continuity of the mezcal tradition, it is indispensable to take care of the ecological equilibrium, promote the reproduction of wild agaves, reforest and care for the fauna that pollinate the agaves.
2 - Maguey selection and trimming
Solely ripe agaves are selected - each species has a distinct maturation time ranging from 8 to 40 years. Trimming consists of cutting the long stalks in order to extract the heart of the plant.
3 - Baking the maguey
The agave hearts (also called piñas) are baked for 3 to 8 days underground in volcanic stone ovens in order to extract the sugars.
4 - Grinding of the maguey
The baked maguey is ground to extract the juice and begin the fermentation process of the sugars.
Fermentation
This is the longest stage of the process - the juice is allowed to ferment for 8 to 15 days depending on the climate and tradition of the region.
6 - Distillation
This is carried out in a still- the heat provokes evaporation of the alcohol which, upon condensation, will make up the mezcal. Distillation has three stages, the master mezcalero determines the quantity of mezcal to be used from each stage for the final blend.
1-Observe
Stir the mezcal to observe its transparency, the pearling and its body and consistency.
2-Touch
Rub a drop of mezcal between your thumb and index finger to feel the texture, which may be coarse, oily or dry. Next, place a drop in the palm of your hand and rub it so as to heat and evaporate the alcohol, then hold your hand up to your nose.
3-Smell
Discover the aroma of smoked maguey in your hands, smell the glass in different positions and open your mouth to take in the aroma, feeling the aroma as it intensifies, and try to find memories connected to these aromas in your olfactory memory.
4-Savor
The first kissTake a small sip of the mezcal and spread it over your palate, tongue and mouth. Continue smelling the mezcal until your tongue begins to salivate and prepare for a second drink.
The deep kissTake a bigger sip of the mezcal and then tip your head back, softly allowing the mezcal to pour little by little down your throat, drinking it very slowly.
The romanceTake a drink of the mezcal and once you have swallowed it take a deep breath, slowly inhaling through your mouth and exhaling through your nose. Feel how your sense of smell and taste connect to explore the full array of aromas and flavors.