Maguey Melate Lechuguilla from Agapito Yepiz Vega was originally released as the April 2024 Mezcalero of the Month Club agave spirit.
About this destilado de agave
Maguey Melate Lechuguilla from Agapito Yepiz Vega was originally released as the April 2024 Mezcalero of the Month Club agave spirit.
Maestro Agapito is a 4th generation mezcalero who has been producing on his own since 1998. He produces his mezcal using water that he diverts from a natural spring about 1,000 meters from his vinata. He believes this spring has been used for mezcal production for over 200 years. He characterizes the water as being very thin and sweet, working well with the sugar-rich agave.
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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Imperium
118 reviewsThis was a delicious spirit, with tastes unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It generates memories and visions rather than anything you can compare it to, but I’ll attempt it.
The smell is amazing. At first kind of funky, earthy and mineral, I feel like I’m riding on a horse, smelling its sweat, its saddle, then settling down near an old campfire. Its funky, juicy, and addictive. I just can’t get enough. It reminds me of something from when I was younger, and I think it might be “new toy smell” as strange as that sounds.
The palate is right up there with some of the best sotol or bacanora I’ve had, smoky with a bit of cheese and just juicy goodness. The same rubbery “new toy” fragrance comes through in the taste, but in a totally good way. It’s a wild spirit that makes you feel like you’re lying under the stars, looking at the Milky Way with thunderheads flashing on the horizon. I definitely want more of this.
This was a delicious spirit, with tastes unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It generates memories and visions rather than anything you can compare it to, but I’ll attempt it.
The smell is amazing. At first kind of funky, earthy and mineral, I feel like I’m riding on a horse, smelling its sweat, its saddle, then settling down near an old campfire. Its funky, juicy, and addictive. I just can’t get enough. It reminds me of something from when I was younger, and I think
little agave
72 reviewsbatch AGA-LEC-001.
floral orange rind. citrus. butterscotch aroma. this is a trip. its dusty. dry earth. am sure this will not be everyones cup of tea but I def enjoyed this. bottle is now empty.
El Dawg
235 reviewsSmell and taste remind me of dry cement, rocks, dusty. Some fruit sweetness in there too. Really ‘mineraly’ as well. I can see why people might like this, but these type of tastes are def. not my favorite when sipping a mezcal (especially compared to it’s companion bottle in this month’s melate shipment).
tallchad
122 reviewsOnce you get past the funky aroma, you will like it. I was put off by the super strong aroma, but then settled into a really enjoyable tasting.
The aroma–WOW! It is super powerful, with fermented fruit, earth, light mint and a hint of petrol. It’s ok.
The taste is really nice and silky with more mint, some sweetness and light vegetal.
The finish is fantastic and super balanced with the taste. It doesn’t last long but keeps the great flavors for a little while.
Once you get past the funky aroma, you will like it. I was put off by the super strong aroma, but then settled into a really enjoyable tasting.
The aroma–WOW! It is super powerful, with fermented fruit, earth, light mint and a hint of petrol. It’s ok.
The taste is really nice and silky with more mint, some sweetness and light vegetal.
The finish is fantastic and super balanced with the taste. It doesn’t last long but keeps the great flavors for a little while.
Ben P
149 reviewsNose: slight floral, some ash, sea water, damn this nose is no joke, Jonny is spot on with the chives and grass clippings, salted oranges
Palate: a little fruitier than the nose would lead on but quickly bitter and under ripe like chile spiced papaya, Jalapeno peppers, cinnamon, chocolate, there’s a creamy element moving to the finish that reminds me of Horchata. Finish is mineral, graphite, mesquite, and grapefruit rind, then green pepper as it sits
This is some good stuff. It’s complex, layered, and keeps you engaged throughout. Will enjoy this bottle!
Nose: slight floral, some ash, sea water, damn this nose is no joke, Jonny is spot on with the chives and grass clippings, salted oranges
Palate: a little fruitier than the nose would lead on but quickly bitter and under ripe like chile spiced papaya, Jalapeno peppers, cinnamon, chocolate, there’s a creamy element moving to the finish that reminds me of Horchata. Finish is mineral, graphite, mesquite, and grapefruit rind, then green pepper as it sits
This is some good stuff. It’s complex, la
peterswim
3 reviewsWonderful scent upon opening. Nice mouth feel. My initial reaction to the first sip was a pleasant sweetness, but then I thought it was a bit harsh. The taste has a long nice tail. In further sips the harshness was not present. Interesting mezcal.
Jonny
736 reviewsAGA-LEC-001. Wild nose that is all over the place. This has aromas of newly cut grass clippings, lemongrass, fresh chives, green olives, briny sea water, malted grains, yogurt, and buttermilk. The palate has notes of green pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, slate, pencil lead, and mesquite smoke. This is a dynamic and complex spirit.
les
40 reviewsmusk, orange peel, vanilla, grass, grapefruit, sweet cheese, brine, lemon peel, char, plastic, lemongrass