Maguey Melate Ensamble 1 was originally released as one of four spirits in the April 2023 Mezcalero of the Month Club.
About this destilado de agave
Maguey Melate Ensamble 1 was originally released as one of four spirits in the April 2023 Mezcalero of the Month Club. This represents the lifelong passion of Luis Velasco who has been collecting agave spirits in Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco for over 35 years.
These four ensambles or mezclas or blends started 35 years ago. Luis created 8 different ensambles/mezclas, blending together post-distillation mezcal from different producers in the region. Each ensamble/mezcla was 100 liters. When some liters of mezcal would be consumed, he would replenish them with more liters of freshly purchased mezcal, creating an ever-evolving 35-year-old ensemble/mezcla, more recently based purely on aroma.
These four releases all contain varying amounts of different agaves from the Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco region like Ixteco Amarillo, Alineno, Cuaquizoca, and Cimarron. Given these were blended over a 35 year period, it’s tough to say which releases contain which agaves.
These releases represent the landscape of Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco over the last 35 years. Luis decided to sell these to Maguey Melate in order to help raise funds to re-establish an old taberna and re-engage in the legacy of agave spirits production that exists on his wife’s side of the family.
Maguey Melate
Maguey Melate was founded on two ideas: 1) Artisanal agave spirits are amazing and should be shared with the world, and 2) The faster-cheaper economy is a harmful force for people, the environment, and now agave spirits.
They believe if mezcal (and agave spirits) can be understood and appreciated at its full potential, people will show their preference for quality artisanal mezcal that is sustainably and fairly sourced. By raising consumer consciousness on the origins of mezcal and educating enthusiasts on matters of quality and character, informed people will be empowered to ensure the future of mezcal. To do this, they’re reaching a large audience with an impactful message: KEEP MEZCAL ARTISANAL!
Maguey Melate is perhaps most well-known for their Mezcalero of the Month Club, which delivers artisanal small-batch agave spirits directly to the doors of consumers in the US and Mexico. In addition to the monthly spirits, they offer exclusive content and interviews with producers. Single releases are also available in the Maguey Melate shop.
Review this bottle
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Jonny
736 reviewsAromas of light soft cheeses, vinegar, pickled vegetables, and fresh cucumber. The palate has notes of anis, candied apples, sweet cream, parmesan cheese, and cracked pepper. It’s interesting that so many others loved this. While I didn’t dislike it per se, this was my least favorite of the 4 ensambles.
tallchad
122 reviewsThe aroma is sensational with fruit, over-ripe cantaloupe, earth and purple skittles.
The taste is good and sweet with candy fruit and great warmth in the mouth.
The finish is good and continues the “sweet fruit” party.
This would be an excellent sprit for newcomers.
My order of these ensambles: 4, 3, 1, 2
bluImbibe
40 reviewsNose: green and vegetal, slight pepper, vinegar. Sweet, like maple syrup
Palate: charred peppers, butter, spicy cured meats; long finish, insanely soft, as the vapors dissipate I’m left with an almost white grape flavor.
Rakhal
430 reviewsI love Raicilla so much. This has a classic Raicilla flavor, but it’s a little bit more concentrated and sweet. It’s complex and decadent. Brown sugar, maple sugar candy, celery bitters, and Spearmint Altoids. There’s something dusty and sweet on the finish that I like a lot.
El Dawg
235 reviewsSmell is super inviting – sweet, candied, light banana runts. Reminds me of a raicilla for sure. Taste is not quite as good as smell, but still carries through with the fruit and juiciness. I get some of those river rocks too…as weird as that sounds. Light pepper…fruit sweetness is the dominating flavors though. Solid blend, and really enjoyable (especially after reading the back-story).
Architor77
4 reviewsIt’s a long ride. Aroma is candied unripe pears while standing across the yard from a small campfire. Taste is wild, first it is very sweet with good smoke then dusty river rocks, last comes a very juicy, fruity roundness that lingers for quite awhile, fading back to the river rocks. So glad my wife signed me up for this club!!