ABOUT:

Casta Tribal Mezcal is built on the philosophy of "Ensambling Tradition, Art, and Science." Founded by Chef Andrea Serra and Master Distiller Bernardo Gonzalez, the brand works in close collaboration with Maestros Mezcaleros José Diaz and Cipriano Hernandez in the Miahuatlán and Ejutla regions of Oaxaca. Recognizing the rapid growth of the mezcal industry and the threat it poses to wild agave populations, Casta Tribal made a conscious decision to focus heavily on ensambles (blends). By marrying sustainably harvested Espadín with wild, rare agaves (like Tobalá, Tepeztate, and Cuishe), they decrease the environmental pressure on endangered species while creating incredibly complex flavor profiles. The brand remains deeply committed to ancestral methods: roasting piñas in volcanic stone earthen pits fueled by mesquite, crushing them with a stone tahona, fermenting spontaneously in wooden tanks, and double-distilling in copper pot stills.

WEBSITE:

https://castatribal.com

MEZCALS OFFERED:

Espadín: The foundational expression of the brand, crafted from 8 to 10-year-old Agave Angustifolia. It features an intense, highly aromatic nose with notes of leather, ripe fruit, a delicate hint of pear, and light, smoky cooked agave. The palate is soft and vibrant, revealing flavors of smoked meat, cardamom, banana, and citrus zest. It finishes with delicate shades of nutmeg, alfalfa, and a lingering, slightly bitter and smoky permanence.

Ensamble 203 (Cuishe & Espadín): A masterful blend of 12-year-old wild Cuishe and 8-year-old Espadín. It boasts a very open aromatic bouquet characterized by a marked cooked agave scent, well-defined herbal notes, and subtle floral touches of bougainvillea, backed by light mineral tones. On the palate, the first sensation is one of bright freshness. It perfectly balances sweetness and bitterness, leaving a distinctively citric, mineral, and gently smoky personality in the mouth.

Ensamble 302 (Tepeztate & Espadín): Crafted from 18-year-old wild Tepeztate paired with 8-year-old Espadín. This expression delivers delicate aromas of cooked agave interwoven with fruity nuances of apple, pineapple, and grapefruit, alongside bright herbal flashes of thyme and rosemary. The tasting experience is sweet and silky, characterized by a long-lasting profile that highlights lingering citrus, deep minerality, and elegant smoky notes.

Ensamble 103 (Tobalá, Madrecuishe & Espadín): A deeply complex, higher-proof (46% ABV) trio blending 12-year-old wild Tobalá, 12-year-old wild Madrecuishe, and 8-year-old Espadín. The nose is incredibly fragrant, offering vibrant herbal and vegetal nuances like fresh jicama, thyme, grapefruit, orange peel, and pineapple. On the palate, the masterful blending truly shines—the distinct, balanced flavors of each individual agave emerge with every sip, evolving beautifully and seamlessly on the tongue.