Maguey Melate Epsadin Gusano from Refugia “Cuca” Cortés Ramos & Rodrigo Cortés Santos was originally released as the October 2024 Mezcalero of the Month Club agave spirit.
About this destilado de agave
Maguey Melate Epsadin Gusano from Refugia “Cuca” Cortés Ramos & Rodrigo Cortés Santos was originally released as the October 2024 Mezcalero of the Month Club agave spirit. This batch of Espadin was produced in the community of Santa Maria la Pila, Miahuatlan, Oaxaca.
Cuca noticed that a small group of agaves were infested with gusano (worm) larvae. Normally agaves with this type of infestation are believed to contain about 50% less sugar than a healthy agave. Rather than leaving the worm-infested agaves to rot in the field, she harvested them to make this batch. As part of the production process, she included the worms as part of the roasting and fermentation of this mezcal.
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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Jonny
737 reviewsBatch REF-ESP-001. Not to oversimplify things, but this smells and tastes like gusanos! The aromas are very earthy, with notes of dates, raisins, mesquite, and… well… worms. The palate follows a similar profile with the notes of woodiness and dark dry fruits. Additionally there’s some dark tropical fruit, like a papaya that’s gone well beyond it’s prime ripeness. This is a really interesting story and the flavor profile is unique. Very wild batch!
Ben P
149 reviewsNose: lemon lime, oranges, salt water, pickled mangoes, cucumber, bell peppers
Palate and finish: great continuation of the nose to the palate. Plenty of mango fruits, kiwi, mandarin oranges, as it moves to the finish it’s got a more vegetal with a sort earthy and woody element to it. The woody part is an aspect I haven’t experienced much. This leads to a a bitter grapefruit and green banana finish.
It’s unique but not in a way that isn’t easy to drink. Really good stuff and well done by Cuca and Rodrigo
Nose: lemon lime, oranges, salt water, pickled mangoes, cucumber, bell peppers
Palate and finish: great continuation of the nose to the palate. Plenty of mango fruits, kiwi, mandarin oranges, as it moves to the finish it’s got a more vegetal with a sort earthy and woody element to it. The woody part is an aspect I haven’t experienced much. This leads to a a bitter grapefruit and green banana finish.
It’s unique but not in a way that isn’t easy to drink. Really good stuff and well done b
little agave
72 reviewsRefugia “Cuca” Cortés Ramos & Rodrigo Cortés Santos – Espadin gusano
batch REF-ESP-001, bottle 404. 240 Liters, August 2023, 47% abv
aroma: very distinctive smell. call me crazy but Im getting some mango distillate aroma on this! I gave this a few tastes spaced over about 2wks and while very curious I wasnt enthralled on first try, however, it has grown on me. Im getting a raw sugar banana bread thing going on. sawdust.
palette: green mango, sweet yet tart, notes as if there was an aged wood influence (but we know its not). candied gusano JK! I dont know what that tastes like. fresh floral herbs at finish. overall the flavors linger long. love the idea and process for this one!
Refugia “Cuca” Cortés Ramos & Rodrigo Cortés Santos – Espadin gusano
batch REF-ESP-001, bottle 404. 240 Liters, August 2023, 47% abv
aroma: very distinctive smell. call me crazy but Im getting some mango distillate aroma on this! I gave this a few tastes spaced over about 2wks and while very curious I wasnt enthralled on first try, however, it has grown on me. Im getting a raw sugar banana bread thing going on. sawdust.
palette: green mango, sweet yet tart, notes as if th