AGAVE DE CORTES ESPADIN AGAVE JOVEN MEZCAL

Casa Cortés operates out of Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, the acknowledged global center of mezcal production, under Maestro Mezcalero Francisco Cortés Hernández — a fully Zapotec family-owned operation. The 100% Espadín agave matures 6 to 12 years, with piñas harvested at least 60% capón to concentrate sugars. Production runs through conical earthen pit roasting over oak, stone tahona milling, open-air wood vat fermentation, and double distillation in copper pot stills. Subdued smoke frames lemongrass, damp earth, citrus, and herbs, with a cognac-like sweetness and silky finish at 43% ABV.