Mezcal Misterios
It seems like every week there's a new mezcal lable available in the U.S., which is exciting for people like me who love agave spirits. Every time I go to Oaxaca I fill my suitcase with interesting selections that aren't on the market here at home, one of which used to be Siete Misterios: a bottler of mezcal in Mexico that strives to provide traditional styles of the spirit that are 100% natural and organic in origin, with flavors and aromas that are custom to the specific species of agave. Their mezcals are not only some of the tastiest in the industry right now, they're also some of the best priced! Thanks to a new American importer, I no longer have to buy a plane ticket to get these.
Siete Misterios Doba-Yej Mezcal $34.99- The doba-yej is a blast of smoke, citrus, and stonefruit that lights up the palate like a lightning rod. It's one of the most delicious and value-oriented selections we've ever carried and is a great entry way into the genre. This is my new go-to for mixers and fun cocktails. It's so expressive and fun.
Siete Misterios Arroqueño Mezcal $99.99 -The Arroqueno expression is packed with herbal notes and bright floral tones that shape the flavor from roasted agave to a spicy finish. It's delicious stuff.
Siete Misterios Coyote Mezcal $99.99- The Coyote agave expression is fruit forward on the entry with beautiful hints of berry and spice. It turns into a more herbaceous spirit on the finish, balancing out the intensity. Truly fantastic mezcal.
Siete Misterios Tobala Mezcal $139.99- The Tobala agave expression is loaded with bitter chocolate, chile, chipotle, and all sorts of other spicy notes. It's a mezcal that delivers true varietal character in spades.
We’ve also got some new limited things from our friends at Alipus and Mezcalero—my favorite producer and bottler in the business. Check these out:
Alipus Ensemble San Andres Mezcal $69.99- From the same distiller who does the standard Alipus San Andres, comes this "ensemble" release: a rich and elegant blend including some 20% semi-wild agave bicuishe in with the standard espadin. The result is a bright, floral, and richly-textured mezcal with mild smoke and more pure agave flavor.
Mezcalero "Release #15" Sierra Negra Mezcal $99.99- Batch 15 is made with semi-wild Sierra Negra (agave americana) from Don Baltazar Cruz in San Luis del Río. Sierra Negra has a beautiful suavity in the mouth, with a long finish of spice and sweet earth. Another big winner from the now legendary series.
Mezcalero Special Bottling #2 Mezcal $129.99- Labeled as the "finest mezcal in bottle," we would be hard pressed to disagree here! Hand-distilled in October and November of 2012 by Don Valente Ángel in Santa Maria Pila from wild Dobadaan (agave rhodacantha) found on a south-sloping hillside called La Loma de la Mojonera. Rested in tank for 3+ years, the mezcal offers profound depth and an ethereal, calm delicacy. For serious fans of the genre.
-David Driscoll