El Jolgorio Cuixe Mezcal
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The rare, wild agave Cuixe – like its relatives Madrecuixe and Barril – grows a single stalk, with leaves spreading at the top. It is difficult to work with and requires extensive experience to achieve an optimal mezcal. The result is a spirit of great intensity.
Proof: 94
In Mexico, there are around fifty different species of agave used for mezcal production, each yeilding a mezcal with its own distinct character. In 2010, the Cortés family begain buiding a collective of top mezcal distillers from around Oaxaca, with the goal of sharing the true culture and spirit of mezcal with the world. In all, El Jolgorio represents sixteen different families, working in ten different regions of Oaxaca, Mexico, each with its own special story. Every bottle is hand-marked with the specific details of each batch, to truly connect the drinker with the family behind the expression.
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.