Alto

The name Maguey alto is referring to an Agave inaequidens. The term Inaequidens means “uneven teeth,” which is applicable to this agave as the teeth of the pencas are uneven and jagged. Maguey alto grows wild in the state of Michoacan. It’s a massive agave, taking over 15 years to mature. It’s also very low-yield, which is one reason why it’s so seldom used. One 500 kilo pina from a plant will only yield about 6 litres of mezcal.