Mezcal Barril

• Mezcal produced by Casa Cortés in Oaxaca, Mexico
• 100% Barril (Agave karwinskii)
• Practicing organic agriculture
• Cooked in a conical earthen oven (horno)
• Milled using a horse-driven stone tahona
• Naturally fermented in open-air wooden tanks (tinas)
• Distilled using traditional copper pot stills
• 47% ABV (ABV may vary batch to batch)

Agave karwinskii more closely resemble a palm to many observers than what is typically identified as agave. The entire trunk is typically fermented and distilled when producing mezcal, resulting in a spirit much higher in vegetal and fibrous aromatic & flavor profiles. Barril is a subvarietal of A. karwinskii which is typically shorter and more squat in stature—like a wide barrel.

Tasting Notes

Barril is a subvarietal of the Agave karwinskii species of agave, which grow wild in certain parts of Oaxaca, representing less than 1% of the agave currently growing in the state. Unlike most agave, whose leaves (or “pencas”) grow outwards from a central heart or core which remains close to the ground, Agave karwinskii develop as a long vertical stem or trunk, with the sugar concentrated near the top where the pencas remain green and spiky. Agave karwinskii more closely resemble a palm to many observers than what is typically identified as agave. Their height and intimidating spikes have led some indigenous communities to use them as a natural fence.

In addition, the entire trunk is typically fermented and distilled when producing mezcal, resulting in a spirit much higher in vegetal and fibrous aromatic & flavor profiles. There are many subvarietals of Agave karwinskii (Cuishe, Madrecuishe, Tobaziche, Largo); Barril is unique, and identified for its short, squat appearance. The agave is cooked in a conical earthen oven, naturally fermented in open-air wooden tanks, and distilled twice in traditional copper pot stills. 47% ABV (Alcohol will vary with each batch)