Del Maguey Arroqueño Mezcal

Product Description

Del Maguey Arroqueño: A Tribute to an Explorer, Distilled by Tradition

Del Maguey, Single Village Mezcal, was founded in 1995 by internationally renowned artist and mezcal visionary Ron Cooper, built entirely around a simple idea: work directly with individual family palenqueros in remote Oaxacan villages, using ancient, original organic processes rather than modern shortcuts. This special limited edition, made from giant semi-wild maguey Arroqueño, one of the largest and slowest-maturing agave varieties used in mezcal production, is dedicated to Thor Heyerdahl, the biologist, explorer, and author of Kon-Tiki, the account of his legendary 1947 wooden raft voyage across the Pacific Ocean.

Crafted by Maestro Mezcalero Florencio "Don Lencho" Laureano Carlos Sarmiento and Luis Carlos Vasquez in the Valles Centrales region of Oaxaca, this mezcal follows a genuinely ancient production method from start to finish. The agave hearts are roasted in a conical pit over hot rocks, then buried underground for three full days to absorb smoke and earth. Fermentation relies on nothing but airborne wild yeasts over 30 days, before the mezcal is distilled twice, slowly, in an ancient clay still connected with bamboo tubing, the original, centuries-old Oaxacan technique passed down through generations. With only 360 bottles ever produced, this is a genuinely rare release even by Del Maguey's already limited single-village standards.

As a true artisanal, small-batch mezcal, some natural variation between individual lots is part of the experience, a reflection of the wild yeast fermentation and hand-crafted process behind every bottle rather than a flaw. For mezcal enthusiasts seeking a genuinely rare expression with real history behind it, Arroqueño delivers both.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A bouquet of wildflowers, pine, rosemary, and sage, followed by gentle smoke and hints of cantaloupe.

Palate: Luscious melon and cantaloupe, with baking chocolate underneath, developing into savory, vegetal notes reminiscent of fresh green beans, alongside mouthwatering brininess.

Finish: Medium to long and savory, with a smoky close reminiscent of Islay Scotch.

Food Pairings

Del Maguey Arroqueño's savory, smoky character pairs beautifully with seafood and aged cheese, its brininess and smoke were made for exactly that kind of pairing.

Serving Suggestions

Del Maguey Arroqueño is best enjoyed neat in a small clay or glass cup, sipped slowly to appreciate its full range of melon, chocolate, and smoky vegetal complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this mezcal significant? It's a special limited edition made from giant semi-wild maguey Arroqueño agave, dedicated to biologist and explorer Thor Heyerdahl, author of Kon-Tiki, with only 360 bottles ever produced.

What is the alcohol content? 49% ABV (98 proof).

How is this mezcal made? Agave hearts are roasted in a conical earthen pit over hot rocks, buried for three days, fermented for 30 days using only wild airborne yeasts, then twice-distilled slowly in an ancient clay still with bamboo tubing.

Does this mezcal taste the same from bottle to bottle? As a genuine small-batch, wild-fermented mezcal, some variation between lots is natural and part of the artisanal process rather than a flaw.

Who makes this mezcal? Maestro Mezcalero Florencio "Don Lencho" Laureano Carlos Sarmiento and Luis Carlos Vasquez, in the Valles Centrales region of Oaxaca, Mexico.

How should I enjoy it? Neat, in a small clay or glass cup, sipped slowly.

Explore More

Looking for more mezcal? Shop our full Mezcal collection for joven, reposado, and añejo expressions from Ilegal, El Silencio, Clase Azul, and more.

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