Mezcalero No. 12 is made from agave Cupreata, which is very rarely distilled for export, yet it makes for a beautiful Mezcal.
About this mezcal
Mezcalero No. 12 is made from wild agave Cupreata from mountain slopes in Michoacan, and it is distilled by Emilio Vieyra in San Miguel del Monte. The name Cupreata comes from the Latin word “cupre,” which means “copper.” The naming of this agave refers to the slight coppery overtone. This agave is very rarely distilled for export, but it makes for a beautiful Mezcal.
Mezcalero Mezcal
Each Mezcalero bottling is true to the fundamental batch nature of artisan Mezcal production. Each bottling is distilled from a single integral batch of agaves that are at least 50% wild or semi-wild, and usually 100%. These “silvestre” agaves take a lot of work to harvest: searching for days in the mountains, packing the agaves back on burros. After that, it takes a month of continuous labor to produce a single batch of Mezcalero, usually 600-700 bottles. Mezcalero is both a brand and an intention. The brand is a way for talented artisan distillers to work with, and gain part of their livelihood from, some very special agaves. The intention goes deeper: to help preserve a way of distilling that is also a way of life, deeply linked to the distiller’s family, to his social environs, to his pueblo, to an entire way of life largely deriving from indigenous culture that is at risk of rapid deterioration under pressure from the modernization of Mexico.
Review this bottle
Login or create an account to add your tasting notes
Tyler
668 reviewsFruit and floral on the nose. Very bright flavors here. There are notes of vanilla, lemon, leather, and maple syrup. Tasty cupreata from the same mezcalero as Don Mateo; his father is a mezcalero as well who produces mezcal for the Siembra Metl Don Mateo releases.
Jonny
736 reviewsFruity aromas are strong in this Mezcal. There’s almost no alcohol on the nose, which gives it an even feel before the first taste. There are some similarities to the Cupreata which is bottled by Siembra Metl. This Mezcal is a bit sharper and brighter than the Siembra Metl. Tasting notes include hints of orange and charcoal with a long finish.
Keith
35 reviewsSweet, fruity, hint of citrus & pine, light smoke, and characteristic touch of copper on tip of tongue; viva Michoacán! The downside over time, top-heavy sweetness mutes other pleasures within.