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Erstwhile Henequén

Erstwhile Henequén

Oaxaca

Erstwhile Henequén is a Joven mezcal made from the henequen agave species. This Lot 18 expression, distilled in December 2017, presents a complex profile of dark vegetal notes and smoke. The palate balances these elements with distinct hints of licorice, dark berries, and agave sweetness. Aromatic layers include oak, marzipan, amaretto, dry earth, and tarragon. The result is a woody and aromatic spirit that showcases the unique character of this fiber agave, offering a balanced yet intense sensory profile for those seeking artisanal mezcal beyond traditional varieties.

Category:Mezcal

Style:Joven

NOM:NOM-O496X

Origin:Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca

Cooking:

Distillation:Copper

ABV:45%

Price:

Extraction:Tahona

Plant:

Fermentation:

Aging:

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Certified Testing

Flavor Profile

Certified by COMERCAM, Mexico's mezcal regulatory council
Citrus FruitsFruityFloralHerbalSpicedSweetness
Visual Phase

Visual Phase

Color: Crystalline, very bright, with slight cold flashes could be perceived such as silver, very faint bluish or cold light gray under certain lighting conditions. Clarity: Clean and transparent, without impurities or turbidity.

Olfactory Phase

Olfactory Phase

Aromatic profile with a combination of citrus, fruity, herbal and sweet notes. Aromas of pineapple, tangerine and grapefruit stand out, accompanied by apple yellow, mint and cinnamon, along with a sweet caramel note. The intensity aromatic is average, as is the alcoholic sensation.

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Taste Phase

Taste Phase

Citrus and spicy taste profile, with defined flavors of mandarin, grapefruit and cinnamon, which provide a fresh and vibrant acidity. Sweet notes of pineapple are perceived and a sweetness reminiscent of caramel. Acidic flavors predominate, accompanied by a subtle sweetness. The alcoholic sensation is medium-low. The aftertaste shows an average persistence, dominated by citrus notes and fruity. Notes of pineapple, orange and lime are perceived. The alcoholic sensation and astringency is low, allowing the final notes to be expressed clearly and softness.

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🍍Pineapple
🍊Tangerine
🍎Apple
🫚Ginger
🪵Cinnamon
🥭Mango
🍊Grapefruit
+9More notes
Citrus FruitsFruityFloralHerbalSpicedSweetness

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Erstwhile Mezcal

About the Brand

Erstwhile Mezcal is a Brooklyn-based mezcal brand specializing in small-batch artisanal and ancestral mezcal. It was founded in 2017 by Yuan Ji (lawyer-turned-empresaria) and Kevin J. Brown (antiquarian map expert and Owner of Geographicus Rare Antique Maps). Their mission is to discover, curate, and connect both connoisseurs and novices with small-batch mezcal of the highest caliber. The team behind Erstwhile Mezcal is committed to mezcal education, transparency, sustainability and fair trade. Erstwhile Mezcal is a woman-owned business that supports fellow women in mezcal production. The first batches of Erstwhile Mezcal arrived in New York and California in the fall of 2018. In the US, Erstwhile Mezcal can be purchased directly from their online store.

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