Aguas Mansas
ABOUT:
Aguas Mansas (which translates to "Calm Waters") is an artisanal brand built around the Mexican proverb: "In calm waters, demons are stirred," reflecting the complex duality of the spirit. Developed by Guillermo Escárcega and crafted by Maestro Mezcalero Juan Hernández Santiago in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca—widely known as the "World Capital of Mezcal." The brand believes that "liquid stories" flow through every agave piña, telling the tales of the farmers who cultivate them, the masters who distill them, and the drinkers who give them life. Aguas Mansas is dedicated to strictly traditional production methods: the agaves are slow-roasted in underground conical earthen stone ovens, crushed by a horse-drawn tahona, fermented naturally in open wooden tubs, and double-distilled in copper alembic stills to yield a pure, 45% ABV spirit.
WEBSITE:
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Espadín: The vibrant and highly approachable cornerstone of the brand. Crystal clear and full-bodied, it offers an expressive, aromatic nose filled with fresh herbs like sage and rosemary, a touch of grapefruit citrus, and a gentle smoky aroma reminiscent of leather. The palate is smooth, fine, and elegant, showcasing a perfect balance of sweet cooked agave, bright acidity, and a clean, lightly spiced finish.
Cuishe: A deeply herbaceous expression crafted from wild Agave karwinskii that thrives in the arid Tehuacán and Central Valleys. Because its piña grows above ground, it develops a distinctly earthy character. The nose bursts with wild herbs and the nostalgic scent of wet earth (petrichor). On the palate, it delivers an intense, savory concentration of rosemary, thyme, and cloves.
Tobalá: Often referred to as the "truffle" of the agave world, this premium mezcal is crafted from wild, mountain-grown Agave potatorum. It is incredibly powerful in aroma, leading with a deep smoky character, wild herbs, and dry straw. The tasting experience is velvety and highly complex, revealing unique dairy-like nuances alongside sweet notes of caramel, vanilla, macadamia nuts, and anise, culminating in a warm, lingering wood-smoked finish.
Tepeztate: The newest addition to the Aguas Mansas family. This expression is crafted from the wild Agave marmorata, a slow-growing plant known for producing an intensely botanical, spicy, and fiercely complex mezcal that perfectly embodies the wild terroir of Oaxaca.