Mezcal Joven Oaxaca Espadin El Occidental

The Mexican project El Occidental presents Mezcal Joven Oaxaca Espadin, an agave distillate that bears witness to the precious tradition of the Oaxaca region. This brand was created in 2019 precisely to valorise the small mezcal productions of the states of Western Mexico, hence the name El Occidental. Of these, Oaxaca is considered the most important territory in terms of mezcal production, both by virtue of its long mezcalera tradition and its richness in agave varieties.

Mezcal Espadin Joven El Occidental Oaxaca is made from only agave of the Espadin variety, the most widespread in mezcal production. The plants grow in the mountains at analtitude of 2,400 metres above sea level on luvisol and leptosol soils. The mezcalero Luis Leon Vazquez processes the heart of the agave, locally called 'piña', through a long cooking process lasting 3 days in underground ovens, followed by mechanical grinding. The sugary juice thus obtained is placed in wooden vats, containers in which spontaneous alcoholic fermentation takes place thanks to the intervention of indigenous yeasts alone. This is followed by double distillation in copper stills and finally the bottling of the mezcal as Joven, without any passage in wood.

On visual inspection, Mezcal El Occidental Joven Oaxaca Espadin reveals a transparent and crystalline appearance. Hints of agave, flowers, cocoa bean and tobacco characterise the olfactory texture together with a pleasant smoky mineral vein. The sip impresses with balance, complexity and pleasantness, as well as a smooth progression that then gives way to a persistent savoury finish. To best appreciate this mezcal, it is recommended to enjoy it neat, perhaps with a lime or lemon twist, or to use it in the preparation of premium cocktails.