NETA Ensamble Silvestre (magueyes Bicuixe + Jabalín) was produced in 2019 by distiller Celso García Cruz.
About this destilado de agave
NETA Ensamble Silvestre (magueyes Bicuixe + Jabalín) was produced in 2019 by distiller Celso García Cruz. This unconventional field blend marries the earthiness of Jabalín (Agave Convallis) with the grounding cinnamon notes of Bicuixe (Agave Karwinskii). For many years, Jabalín was not traditionally used in the production of mezcal, but instead valued for the fiber extracted from its leaves used in rope-making. Celso began experimenting with Jabalín and has increasingly refined his technique to manage the large amount of foam produced in the fermentation that can boil over into the condensation chamber. For this batch, he was able to tame the bubbly ferment with the addition of maguey Bicuixe and the use of a costal bag in between the boiler pot and the condensation chamber to prevent the foam from rising. Distilled slowly over a low fire, the resulting spirit is an expression reflective of expertise of the maker and his tools, the wild agave, and the lands of its origin.
In creating this 100 liter batch made of mature, wild maguey, Celso harvested approximately 300 kilograms of maguey Jabalín and 300 kilograms of maguey Bicuixe from his rocky and red cascajudo lands. After resting in the sun, the piñas were gathered and roasted for eight days, unearthed, and rested for an additional six days before maceration. After passing the pieces of perfectly cooked agave through a small mechanical shredder, the fibers were left to dry-ferment for 24 hours. Well water was added, and the mash fermented for eight days. Helping along nearly every step of the process was Felipa, his wife.
This small batch was chosen by the Texas Mezcal and Tequila Society Facebook group and released exclusively in the US state of Texas.
NETA
NETA is a colloquial word in Mexico that translates to “the real deal” or “the truth”. Since 2012, the brand has worked closely with several small, family producers and a cooperative of twelve palenqueros from the southern valleys and hills of Miahuatlán, Oaxaca. The region has preserved its reputation for producing some of the finest mezcales and agave spirits anywhere in Mexico. The team behind NETA presents a carefully curated selection of extraordinary spirits that would otherwise never be found outside of its place of origin.
A note about NETA labels: The total bottle count written on the front label might be less than the total batch size. Batches may be split between Mexico, Europe, and the US; the handwritten bottle count represents the number of bottles imported into a particular country.
Learn more about NETA:
- NETA – Spirit Distilled from Agave on the K&L Wines Spirits Journal blog
- NETA is finally here on Mezcalistas
Review this bottle
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TrogdordeFuegoanator
40 reviewsNearly forgot what I was doing and thought this I was putting into my mouth was some sort of aperitif. Super light on nose and also palate, there was an extreme canela quality that reminded me lots of a gulp I’ve had from Miahuatlán once before. While lacking body, the finish was nice – seemed a bit more than 48.50% with how quickly it cleaned up.
t8ke
144 reviewsRich and buttery on the palate. Sweet cream, lemon bar, pepper, rising bread. Soil and minerality, a hint of salinity. Rich and bright. Light jalapeño note on the back palate. Crisp.
Exceptional agave here, the ensemble pairs two rockstar profiles together in a bottle I could drink all day.
spasta
22 reviewsAmazing amazing. No fruitiness just pure business. This is probably the best mezcal I’ve ever had. Should’ve bought several bottles while I had the chance.
Rakhal
430 reviewsWhat a beautiful combination of the two Agaves! The Jabali up in front with the perfect amount of Bicuixe at the end. Floral and mineral with just a touch of fruit and spice. Honeysuckle, orange blossoms, vanilla ice cream dusted with cinnamon, salty caramel, river rocks, and black cherry. Reminds me of flowers blooming around a dried out salt encrusted ancient sea in the middle of the desert. Magic.
El Dawg
237 reviewsInviting smell, but nothing overpowering or crazy. Soft & floral taste, full mouth-feel, and overall pleasantly sweet throughout (brown sugar, light fruit, Butterfinger as Jonny said). Surprising clean, light finish and the word cotton came to mind.
Lots of flavors here I’m still trying to dissect, and wish I had a whole bottle to explore more over time.
LittleArm
32 reviewsENNCEL1905 Very dry, salty and lots of sweet minerals on the nose. Very dry on the palate which I typically don’t care for but the flavors here make up for it. Sweet, caramel, subtle vanilla, mint. Tragically quick finish
Tyler
668 reviewsDry minerals on the nose. My first impression was that it was too dry on the palate. After subsequent tastings it’s been much more enjoyable. Awesome mineral complexity.. candied clove, York peppermint pattie (minus the chocolate), and a bit of charred tobacco on the finish. It is still a bit dry with a quick finish but the mid-palate is very complex and enjoyable.
Jonny
738 reviewsENNCEL1905. Aromas of chalky minerals, butterscotch, brine, salt water, dried lavender, and caramelized orange. Like GreenpointTexas, I get a lot more Jabali on the palate of this. Notes of butterscotch candy, cinnamon, brown sugar, honey, Butterfinger, Werther’s, and a dash of maraschino cherries. This is delicate and nuanced. Very enjoyable.
GreenspointTexas
385 reviewsThis.Is.STELLAR. At $180 a bottle, I wish I would have bought a second. Best mezcal ive had in a while. I get more Jabalin than Bicuixe, but the combo works wonderfully. I really cant find any faults on this one.