Mezcalero No. 8 was made with wild and semi-wild agaves karsinskii (Madrecuishe), rhodacantha (Mexicano), and potatorum (Tobalá) from Don Valente Angel.
About this mezcal
Mezcalero No. 8 was made with wild and semi-wild maguey Madrecuishe, Mexicano, and Tobalá from master mezcalero Don Valente Angel in Santa Maria la Pila. The entirety of this one-time release was just 1080 bottles, and most (if not all) of them are gone.
Mezcalero Mezcal
Each Mezcalero bottling is true to the fundamental batch nature of artisan Mezcal production. Each bottling is distilled from a single integral batch of agaves that are at least 50% wild or semi-wild, and usually 100%. These “silvestre” agaves take a lot of work to harvest: searching for days in the mountains, packing the agaves back on burros. After that, it takes a month of continuous labor to produce a single batch of Mezcalero, usually 600-700 bottles. Mezcalero is both a brand and an intention. The brand is a way for talented artisan distillers to work with, and gain part of their livelihood from, some very special agaves. The intention goes deeper: to help preserve a way of distilling that is also a way of life, deeply linked to the distiller’s family, to his social environs, to his pueblo, to an entire way of life largely deriving from indigenous culture that is at risk of rapid deterioration under pressure from the modernization of Mexico.
Craft Distillers’ tasting video
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justsomedude
28 reviewsIt has that intoxicating aroma you get from sniffing a marker, mixed with rose and nopales. Heady and exciting! Palate has loads of fruit alongside agave and jalapeño. Tingly and mouthwatering, just a little thin feeling. Fantastic finish, sweet agave really comes out along with subtle floral flavors and another dose of stone fruit and tropical fruit. Finish keeps on going, nectarines. I was very lucky to find a dusty bottle recently and am excited to explore it. 91/100
Rakhal
430 reviewsThis one kept changing throughout the two glasses I had. At first I got some bitter vegetal flavor, like a hoppy IPA, then it got fruity with sweet cantaloupe melon, peach and pear. Then some fresh sage and anise. By the end of the second glass it reminded me of an orange creamsicle. Really interesting, mysterious, and delicious Mezcal.
razorbackmike
161 reviewsvery tasty and elegant..scent is floral and spicy.entry is full flavor and a great balance of savory and sweet.mid way are notes jalapeno,black pepper and bubble gum.the finish is mellow,sweet and the black pepper lingers.beautiful.a spirit that doesnt have to shout to make a statement.
Gunn
1 reviewDon Valente Angel is a rock star in my mind, I will purchase any release he distills. I always pick up a fruity note that I describe as ‘bubble gum’ on Angel’s distillates which is present here. Lovely mineral notes, and mild smoke round out the nose. Didin’t pick up much of the earthiness I would expect from the Tobala, though it takes nothing away from the tastiness of this release. Initial agave fruitiness followed by a spicy kick on the finish. Expertly crafted, complex, and delicious. Pulled the cork on this bottle less than month ago, looking forward to see how it opens up with some more time time. Another winner from Don Valente Angel.
Don Valente Angel is a rock star in my mind, I will purchase any release he distills. I always pick up a fruity note that I describe as ‘bubble gum’ on Angel’s distillates which is present here. Lovely mineral notes, and mild smoke round out the nose. Didin’t pick up much of the earthiness I would expect from the Tobala, though it takes nothing away from the tastiness of this release. Initial agave fruitiness followed by a spicy kick on the finish. Expertly crafted, compl
Jonny
736 reviewsWow! The nose of this is very floral and sweet. Given the blend of agave, the flavor surprised me. It’s a bit peppery. I don’t get a ton of vegetal notes, but more minerality. This is buttery with notes of caramel, green pepper, and root vegetables. Super complex.
Tyler
668 reviewsYummy ensamble from Don Valente Angel. His signature mineral notes are present with some saltiness. The initial flavors are from the karwinskii agave and it finishes with some nice spice from the Mexicano. The tobala is faint and overpowered by the other agaves but that doesn’t bother me because it is delicious. Don’t pass up a taste if you can find this release from 2013.