Introduction: Bozal Mezcal Cuixe is an artisanal mezcal crafted from 100% wild agave Cuixe, a subspecies of the Karwinskii family. Produced in San Luis Amatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico, this mezcal showcases the unique characteristics of the Cuixe agave, known for its vertical growth and distinctive flavor profile.

Agave Type: 100% wild agave Cuixe (Karwinskii family)

Aroma and Flavor Profile:

• Aroma: Intense citrus notes complemented by strong minerality, with hints of tropical fruit and green vegetal undertones.
• Flavor: Dry entry leading to rich tropical fruit flavors, transitioning to sweet potato on the palate. Green vegetal notes emerge, followed by a dry, smoky finish.
• Finish: Long and herbaceous, with lingering notes of lavender and sage.

Mouthfeel: Light on the palate with a velvety texture, offering a complex and enjoyable tasting experience.

Cook Time: Not Available

Rest Time After Cook: Not Available

Distillery and Production Details:

• Maestro Mezcalero: Goyo Garcia Garcia
• Location: San Luis Amatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico
• NOM Number: NOM-O363X
• Production Process:
  • Harvesting: Agave Cuixe is harvested by hand using traditional tools such as the coa de jima or specialized machetes.
  • Cooking: The agave hearts are cooked in earthen pit ovens, a method that imparts the signature smoky flavor to the mezcal.
  • Milling: Once cooked, the agave hearts are crushed and mashed by a stone tahona wheel turned by a horse or mule.
  • Fermentation: Open-air fermentation in wooden tanks or clay pots allows naturally occurring yeast to ferment the sugars without the addition of artificial yeast.
  • Distillation: Double distilled in copper pot stills to purify and concentrate the rich, complex flavors of the mezcal.

Farming Practices: The wild agave Cuixe used in this mezcal is harvested from the steep, uncultivated hillsides of Oaxaca and Guerrero, where it grows naturally without cultivation. Bozal Mezcal is committed to sustainability; for every maguey harvested, two are planted in a mountainside wild nursery to be transported back into the wild after one to two years.

Overall Impressions: Bozal Mezcal Cuixe offers a distinctive and complex flavor profile that reflects the unique characteristics of the wild agave Cuixe and traditional production methods. Its combination of citrus, tropical fruit, and green vegetal notes, along with a dry, smoky finish, makes it a compelling choice for both mezcal enthusiasts and newcomers seeking an authentic artisanal spirit.