Maguey Melate Arroqueno 49.8% – Fortunato Hernandez 375ml

Maguey Melate Arroqueno 49.8% – Fortunato Hernandez 375ml

Maguey Melate Arroqueno from Rosario ngeles Vasquz was originally released as the March 2021 Mezcalero of the Month Club agave spirit. This spirit was produced in the community of Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca. The maguey Arroqueno used to produce this mezcal were harvested by mezcaleroSemei Garcia Ramosin Miahuatlan. The agaves were crushed by hand with wooden clubs and distilled in small clay pots.

This lovely pechuga was distilled by Fortunado Hernandez in the classic mezcal village of Chichicapam. Starting with a base of espadin cultivated around 8 years old, the maestro adds chicken, cinnamon, banana, plum, apple, anise and raisins after the first distillation. This is a typical recipe except most producers use turkey not chicken and the addition of plum adds a rich fruity character to balance out the savory spice. Powerful savory palate cream, cheese, clay, a bit of ash and some musty sweetness. Lots of pepper, bit moe orange peel.