Espina Negra Tepeztate is made by Mayolo, Honorato, and Roque Cruz Molina, whose family has been producing mezcal for four generations.
About this mezcal
Espina Negra Tepeztate is made with wild agave Tepeztate in Santa Ana del Rio, Oaxaca. These agave can take up to 25 years to reach maturity and can be very difficult to harvest given that they grow in obscure places like steep hillsides and cliffs. The community of Santa Ana del Rio is located 80 km from Oaxaca City. There are only about 500 inhabitants of the small town, and most are involved in the production of agave and mezcal. The agaves used in this mezcal are traditionally cooked in a pit oven, milled by tahona, and double distilled in a copper still.
Espina Negra Mezcal
Espina Negra celebrates the mezcal of the Cruz Molina family, who have been working the fields of Santa Ana del Rio, Oaxaca for more than 4 generations. During his childhood, mezcalero Roque Cruz Molina, went out in the fields but forgot to wear his sandals. While out in the fields, he suddenly felt a thunderous electric shock through his body, as he stepped on a thorn of an agave plant. The thorn stuck through the big toe of his foot and his brothers, Celestino and Honorato, ran for their father. The father came and removed the thorn, but warned the boy to be careful as the thorn of the agave was sharp, but was also a source of income for the family. It was this experience that caused Roque to call his brand “Espina Negra” or Black Thorn.
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whiskyvicky
4 reviewsLot exp. EU.07
Interesting take here. Lovely stuff (imho) for the Malt Whiskey fan. A real distinct vegetal presence with this mescal.
Nose: Vegetal, slightly sweet and sour, not the Chinese food type, try bbq sauce mixed with tequila……the greens really show through
Taste: Slightly drying, I could see how this may offset some people. Greens, leafs, that is pea sprouts, arugula, Chinese broccoli, cauliflower
fini: medium long…..again I find, the taste doesn’t develop through the finish which would be a huge fault for any other spirit. Nonetheless, this seems to right in my wheelhouse ’nuff I bought another bottle!
Whiskey Vicky sez a solid 85 here……$89 in Berkeley, CA.
Lot exp. EU.07
Interesting take here. Lovely stuff (imho) for the Malt Whiskey fan. A real distinct vegetal presence with this mescal.
Nose: Vegetal, slightly sweet and sour, not the Chinese food type, try bbq sauce mixed with tequila……the greens really show through
Taste: Slightly drying, I could see how this may offset some people. Greens, leafs, that is pea sprouts, arugula, Chinese broccoli, cauliflower
fini: medium long…..again I find, the taste doesn’t dev
draguindin
1 reviewLot RCM-TX. Watery and not a lot of character for a tep. Bummed because tepextate is one of my favorites. Plus it’s only 700ml. This has been relegated to being a mixer in my bar.
Americana Kyle
60 reviewsI’m a sucker for Tep, this was a decent offering. As others have said, it’s a bit mellow and leaves a bit to be desired, but it’s priced well and sometimes the occasion suites a pour like this.
COak
238 reviewsThe criticism of this bottle is fair. It’s a tepeztate with training wheels, but it’s priced very well. Not a lot going on, but it’s not too hot.
Tyler
668 reviewsOne of the most disappointing maguey Tepeztate mezcals I’ve ever tried. Can be easily summed up as: weak sauce. Flavors are super light. There is some slight salt, bell pepper, and sour cherry candy. I would give this a higher rating if it was a basic Espadin. It actually isn’t bad it is just bland. Even after watering it down to 45%, I expect more flavor given the label says the plants are 20-25 years old; the price in the US is so low that it almost raises red flags. Overall not a fan of this brand.
One of the most disappointing maguey Tepeztate mezcals I’ve ever tried. Can be easily summed up as: weak sauce. Flavors are super light. There is some slight salt, bell pepper, and sour cherry candy. I would give this a higher rating if it was a basic Espadin. It actually isn’t bad it is just bland. Even after watering it down to 45%, I expect more flavor given the label says the plants are 20-25 years old; the price in the US is so low that it almost raises red flags. Overall not a
Rakhal
430 reviewsVery soft, a bit watery. Fresh jalapeño and green bell pepper. It’s just ok, pretty boring.
Nic Hnastchenko
109 reviewsMy favorite of their lineup.
Chris
40 reviewsThis is not for the faint of heart. More like the espresso of tepextate, in your face with tons of tep flavor. For my taste though, the El Jolgorio tep is still out in front with five stars.