Artesanal, Papalote, Spirit distilled of agave, Mexico (51%, 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.

Papalote - Guerrero

Artesanal Papalote Destilado de Agave Tradicional is an artisanal agave spirit produced in the rugged Sierra Sur of Guerrero, Mexico. Crafted by fourth generation producers Jeiry Toribio and José Toribio, this expression utilizes 100% wild Papalote agave (Agave cupreata, locally known as papalometl) harvested at peak maturity between 1,750 and 1,850 meters of elevation.

The production process bridges historical tradition with meticulous agricultural stewardship. Harvested piñas are rested as capón agaves for up to six months to maximize flavor precursors before being pit roasted using wood and water to minimize smoke impact. Following roasting and crushing, natural fermentation takes place in native ayacahuite wood vats using wild airborne yeasts. The fermented must then undergoes slow, traditional artesanal distillation in copper pot stills, yielding a spirit true to the gusto histórico of the mountain community. Bottled at a strength of 51% ABV in a 70cl format, it is produced without artificial additives, coloring, or filtration.

The profile is exceptionally clean, complex, and aromatic, balancing rich buttery sweetness with bright herbal and tropical fruit notes. The nose opens with aromas of rich butter and ripe cantaloupe, accompanied by fresh flower blossoms and a faint whisper of jalapeño. On the palate, a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel delivers sweet butter, caramelized agave, and ripe mamey, layered over dark cacao, wild grass, and fresh mountain herbs. The finish is long and warming, shifting gracefully from the herbal palate into juicy ripe pear and lingering greenery.