Alipus Ensamble is a blend of 80% agave Espadin and 20% semi-wild agave Bicuishe. The result is a bright, floral, and richly-textured Mezcal.
About this mezcal
Alipus Ensamble was originally released in the US in mid-2016. There have been additional releases since due it’s popularity. It is made by mezcalero Don Valente Angel is San Andrés, Oaxaca and it contains many of the signature qualities that one expects when drinking mezcal made by this master mezcalero. This mezcal is a blend of 80% maguey Espadin and 20% semi-wild maguey Bicuishe. The result is a bright, floral, and richly-textured Mezcal.
Alipus Mezcal
Alipús was born in 1999, as a project of the Destilería Los Danzantes, with Don Joel Antonio and sons as the first producers, in San Juan del Río. Subsequently, Don Eduardo Hernández, of Santa Ana del Río, making Alipús Santa Ana mezcal; Don Cosme Hernandez and his son Cirilo in San Baltazar Guelavila, who make the Alipús San Baltazar mezcal; Don Valente Angel and sons, of Santa María La Pila, with the Alipús San Andrés mezcal. In 2013, Alipús San Luis was incorporated, made by Don Baltazar Cruz and sons, of San Luis del Río, and Alipús San Miguel, made by Don Felix García, Leonardo Rojas, and Tío Jesús in the Potrero Sola de Vega.
Tasting Notes: Alipús San Andrés Ensamble on Mezcalistas blog
Review: 3 Mezcals from Craft Distillers – Alipus Ensamble, Mezcalero #16, and Mezcalero Special #2 on Drinkhacker
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aarild
153 reviewsLote AE-004, edición especial, Espadin-madrecuishe-bicuishe. Very floral nose, honey, smoke and slight whiff of dust. Delicate palate blending candied tangerine with macadamia nuttiness, custard, lime (key lime pie??). Well structured, well rounded aftertaste. Not sure if this really should be reviewed with the regular ensamble edition, but it’s indeed Alipus ensamble from San Andres — very similar label design except from a shape more in line with their other special editions. I had the one pictured above a few years ago, and the one reviewed here is like a more refined version, richer in mouthfeel and without any bite (if my memory does not fool me). Could not find any info anywhere on the web, but if you see a slightly different label version, go ahead and try it. The mezcaleria where I tried it was a bit puzzled by not finding it listed anywhere but this was their first import of Alipus. As usual, great price point.
Lote AE-004, edición especial, Espadin-madrecuishe-bicuishe. Very floral nose, honey, smoke and slight whiff of dust. Delicate palate blending candied tangerine with macadamia nuttiness, custard, lime (key lime pie??). Well structured, well rounded aftertaste. Not sure if this really should be reviewed with the regular ensamble edition, but it’s indeed Alipus ensamble from San Andres — very similar label design except from a shape more in line with their other special editions. I had the on
Zack Klamn
542 reviewsLote: SABI001/16 Botella: 1782/1984
(Espadin 80%, Bicuishe 20%)
Nose – Creamy vanilla. A touch of mint chip.
Palate – Soft ice cream. Banana. Near medium viscosity. Pink salt. Slightly creamy, floral finish and the smoke is a good balance throughout. The banana comes through again in the aftertaste. A very nice ensamble for the mid-range price point.
Nick
25 reviewsI’ll be sad to see this go. A great workhorse which shows the skills of the maker. Solid taste without too much burn (ABV 47.5%). Fresh citrus, leather then smoke but just enough. Touch of syrup, mint and good tasting agave. In some ways it doesn’t stand out, but that makes it stand out! The espadin edge taken off with 10% bicuishe in the Lote: SAM016/18 Bottle 75/2915. Don Valente Angel Garcia.
GeorgePBurdell
49 reviewsLot: SAB1016/15
47.7%
Don Valente
Clean nose with smell of rain and citrus. Palate brings some sweet agave and floral notes and a smooth, soft mouth feel. Jalepeno and mint on the finish. Very balanced, gentle smoke, very good but nothing stands out.
diegoacv
5 reviewsSABI016/15 1556/2500 More citrus, like tangerine, lime, and grapefruit on the nose. Agave syrup, and strong sweet aromas like pastry cream. Agave syrup on the palate with grapefruit zest, and orange oil. Slight minty notes. You definitely taste the espadin with the citrus notes, and some of the bicuishe is noticeable with savory and minty hints. Good mezcal with not too much smoke and good balance. Not super memorable.
Rakhal
430 reviewsAE-XXSJR. Special edition ensamble of Espadin, Tepextate, and Tobala. Fresh jalapeño, bell pepper, vanilla. Salty with a slight acetone finish.
Tyler
668 reviewsAnother tasty mezcal treat from Don Valente Angel. This time it’s an 80/20 blend of espadin and bicuishe. There is a lot of minerality with salt, citrus, then banana and whipped cream. There is a brief bite near the end of your sip that brings on another burst of minerals. Lot SABI015/15 which I think is the first batch of 800 bottles.
Jonny
736 reviewsLote SABIO15/15. Bottle 375/800. Notes of fresh flowers and pollen on the nose. Very soft and clean aromas. Tasting notes include more fresh flowers, mountain breeze, tangerine, grapefruit, and lime. This bottle is very Don Valente, with his Mezcals’ signature velvety texture on the palate.
Keith
35 reviewsHONEY, green olive brine, sea salt, agave, ripe banana, grapefruit, smoke. Almost four stars for me.