Maguey Melate Ensamble 3 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 3 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.
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les
40 reviewsstrawberry, yogurt, grape, melon, butter, cheese, flower, pine
Jonny
738 reviewsMy favorite of the 4 ensambles. Aromas of sour fruit, artificial sour cherries, cantaloupe, melons, and sugary Sour Patch Kids. The palate is slightly buttery and more viscous than the other ensambles. Notes of caramel, parmesan cheese, jasmine, and Mexican vanilla bean.
tallchad
126 reviewsThe aroma has some wonderful honeydew melon and river rock. Off to a very good start!
The taste is really good with heat and some peppers.
The finish is my favorite part, long and keeps the light, fruity sweetness going…there is a hint of hay from the farm that I like too.
My order of these ensambles: 4, 3, 1, 2
bluImbibe
40 reviewsNose: funky fruit, sweet and floral
Palate: cheese, grass, salted caramel
Rakhal
430 reviewsI love this one. Floral and fruity and delicious. This is like a warm sunny spring day by the water with my friends. A big thick caramel swirl in vanilla ice cream, jasmine flowers, ripe pears, and fresh spearmint. So good.