Alipus Mezcal Santa Ana Del Rio

Mezcals are distilled from the agave plant. Tequila is a mezcal, but tequila producers remove the agave solids before they distill. Artisan mezcal distillers include the solids – not just the juice, making well-made artisanal mezcals from Oaxaca richer and more complex than the mezcals called tequila. Individual Mezcalero bottlings are sourced from tiny distilleries throughout Oaxaca.

COLOR
Clear

AROMA
Pineapple, tamarind, nanche, jocote, toasted pumpkin seeds, and light smoky notes.

PALATE
Herbal and mineral flavors such as menthol. Strong acidity with full, lingering flavor.

FOOD PAIRING
Charbroiled fish, Biscayan style cod, meatballs in green salsa, molotes and cerdo al pibil (slow-roasted pork).

Master mezcaleros:
Hernández Melchor family

Soil: Santa Ana del Río, Tlacolula, Oaxaca
This soil has varying characteristics. Its color and consistency vary from one spot to the next. High calcium content makes it useful for agriculture when fertilized regularly.

Palenque elevation: 1,036 MASL
Altitude at which the maguey is planted: 1,350 to 1,500 MASL.