Artesanal, Ensamble ¿, Spirit distilled of agave, Mexico (50.2%, 70cl)

MAESTRAS DE MEXICO

Artesanal focuses on preserving ancestral technemes and the contribution of women to the sensory and cultural identity of mezcal.

They exclusively support independent female micro-producers distilling fewer than 1,000 liters a year, protecting ecosystem and agave diversity.

Their first EU collection spans two years of unhurried curation from three Maestras across Guerrero and Oaxaca. Each batch personifies its author and locality, helping sustain their craft, dignity and way of life in small rural communities.

Liso, Coyote, Tobalá, Arroqueño - Oaxaca

Artesanal Ensamble Endemico Destilado de Agave Tradicional is an artisanal agave spirit produced in the high altitude hills of Sola de Vega within the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca, Mexico. Crafted by fourth generation master distiller Engracia Altamirano Montaña, once a year, this expression highlights a rare micro batch field blend of four wild endemic agaves: Maguey Liso, Maguey Arroqueño, Maguey Tobalá, and Maguey Coyote.

The production process bridges historical tradition with meticulous agricultural timing. Harvested from capón plants during May's full moon cycle, the agaves are wet roasted over volcanic rock in subterranean pits to minimize smoke impact, followed by traditional hand mashing with wooden mallets in canoes. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in 80 year old sabino wood trunks using wild airborne yeasts. The fermented must then undergoes slow, traditional artesanal distillation in copper pot stills, yielding a clean, complex expression true to the gusto histórico of the mountain community. Bottled at a strength of 50.2% ABV in a 70cl format, it is produced without artificial additives, coloring, or filtration.

The profile is vibrant, layered, and elegantly complex, balancing bright citrus clarity with delicate floral notes and cool minerality. The nose opens with aromas of vibrant lime peel and fresh pine resin, opening onto delicate, night blooming flora. On the palate, a smooth and sophisticated mouthfeel delivers bright citrus and lemongrass met by a cool wet stone minerality, giving way to wild flowers and crisp mint. The finish is long, elegant, and distinctively Oaxacan, trailing with sweet floral notes and herbal complexity.