Donaji Ensamble is a 50/50 blend of maguey Espadin and maguey Cuishe. It’s not listed on the bottle, but this is made by mezcalero Don Beto in Miahuatlan.
About this mezcal
Donaji Ensamble is made with 50% maguey Espadin (agave Angustifolia) and 50% maguey Cuishe (agave Karwinskii). This mezcal is traditionally produced by master Don Beto in La Pila, Miahuatlan, Oaxaca. It has aromas of pineapple and citric fruits, and gives off slight herbal aromas. The flavor notes include smoked pineapple, citrus, and fresh herbs.
Donaji Mezcal
Traditionally, Oaxaca has been dominated by the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures. King Cosijoeza, ruler of the city of Zaachila, had a daughter to whom he gave the name of “Donají” meaning “grand soul.” The Mixtecs and Zapotecs had a series of violent disputes, causing the Mixtecs to take revenge on the King by sacrificing his daughter, the Princess Donají, she was laid to rest near the Atoyac river. It is said that years later when her body was found, it was still in perfect condition. From her head, beautiful species of wild lilies had grown. This image was immediately converted to be the symbol of the Zapotec town. In 1828, a shield for the State of Oaxaca was created on which the head of the Princess Donají is lying down. The State government no longer uses the shield, but it was adopted by the City Council of the State of Oaxaca of Juárez and has been their official seal since 1928.
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Juriy
23 reviewsOoof, not a fan of this. The alcohol is so strong it hits my nose before I can distinguish anything else. Feel some floral notes in there but very very mild. This mostly just burns my tongue.
rsidrys
50 reviewsI tried this in Oaxaca while we were on our way to visit a palenque. I love ensambles and found this one enjoyable. It a had a smooth and mellow freshness to it. I’m going by memory on this review, so I won’t be able to give more specific descriptors.
Gfunk
23 reviewsNose is funky but also has a lot if alcohol smell for 46%. Taste is smooth, but also a little alcohol forward. Finish is long and a little oily, in a good way.
Tyler
668 reviewsLots of earthiness and dirt on the nose. The espadin flavors are a bit dominate over the cuishe. There are notes of lemon, salt, wood, subtle mineral, and gum. This is a nice sipper at 46% but not my favorite from Don Beto. However, considering the price this is a good value. Lot: DJEN/0116
Jonny
736 reviewsLot DJEN/0116 from 2016. This was a somewhat blind purchase at the liquor store. I’d never seen this brand before, but it was reasonably priced, so I gave it a shot. The bottles are not fully labeled with mezcalero and location information, so I didn’t really know what I was purchasing. Overall, considering the cost, I think this is a great buy. The nose is a little funky with hints of fresh lime peel. The mouthfeel is medium light. The tasting notes include cooked orange, damp earth, anise, and cashew fruit. The finish lingers on the tongue, but is pleasant.
Lot DJEN/0116 from 2016. This was a somewhat blind purchase at the liquor store. I’d never seen this brand before, but it was reasonably priced, so I gave it a shot. The bottles are not fully labeled with mezcalero and location information, so I didn’t really know what I was purchasing. Overall, considering the cost, I think this is a great buy. The nose is a little funky with hints of fresh lime peel. The mouthfeel is medium light. The tasting notes include cooked orange, damp earth