Agave de Cortes Joven Mezcal
Distiller Notes
The Cortes family is one of the oldest and most important mezcal families in Oaxaca. The Agave de Cortes brand honors the family's heritage and tradition. Now in their 6th generation, Casa Cortes has produced artisanal mezcal since 1840. Casa Cortés is proud to be one of the few mezcal companies that is 100% Oaxacan-owned.
In 2007, master distiller Valentín Cortes (5th Gen.), along with his brother Rolando (5th Gen.), and son, Asis (6th Gen.), created a company that would bring the taste of their culture to the world.
As the mezcal category grows, so do the number of new brands available in the U.S. market. However, very few brands are actually owned by the people that make the mezcal. Casa Cortes is proud to be owned by a 6th generation family with Zapotec heritage, whose history in the region dates to 1840. Jose Cortes dedicated his life to continuing his family's great mezcal-making traditions.
Mezcal Joven or “young” is bottled within two months of distillation without barrel aging and will appear clear, like a Vodka or Gin. Longer barrel aging, with the principal aim to soften and round a spirit’s flavor profile, is often most prized by connoisseurs. However, many die-hard Mezcal enthusiasts insist that oak takes away from the purity of the agave flavors—ranging from earthy and smoky to sweet and floral, often in the same Mezcal—and that Mezcal Joven is the best expression.