El Buho Mezcal
ABOUT:
El Buho Mezcal (whose name translates to "The Owl") was founded in 2010 by Brooklyn-based chef TJ Steele alongside his partner José Isaac "Pepe" Jiménez Mendez. The brand is exclusively produced by the Jiménez Mendez family, fifth-generation mezcaleros working as a collective unit in the historic heartland of Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca. Driven by a mission to offer premium, small-batch, certified Artesanal spirits at an accessible price, the family has expanded from operating three modest copper stills in their home to running four distinct, artisan palenques. The production process completely honors their generations of heritage: agaves are roasted in subterranean stone pits using local woods, crushed by a traditional ox-drawn stone tahona wheel, naturally fermented in open-air pine vats, and double-distilled in 280-liter copper pot stills.
WEBSITE:
https://mezcaldonavega.com/
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Espadín: The brand’s foundational and highly versatile flagship expression, crafted from choice 100% estate-grown and locally sourced Espadín agaves. Bottled at a versatile 86 proof (43% ABV), it features a highly pleasant contrast of flavors. While the nose is defined by classic, inviting campfire smoke, the very first sip delivers a surprising, light sweetness on the tongue, filled with rich tropical notes of papaya, fresh pineapple, and crisp lemon, leading to a long, mesquite-driven finish.
Especial Ensamble: A beautifully layered, complex blend combining the classic Agave Americana and the wild Agave Karwinskii varietals. Bottled at 50% ABV, it is designed for maximum depth and nuance. The pairing merges the rich fruit and floral traits of the Valles Centrales with the rugged, herbaceous structure of wild agaves, yielding an exceptionally smooth yet robust, terroir-forward sipping experience.
Especial Cuishe: Made from 100% wild, stalk-like Cuishe agave (Agave karwinskii), which grows vertically like small spiked trees. Distilled in small copper batches, this expression captures the intensely distinct, wild profile of the plant. It greets the senses with dry, intensely vegetal, and herbal complexities, perfectly balanced by a deep mineral backbone, an ash-like smokiness, and a clean, warming finish.
Especial Jabali: Crafted from 100% wild Jabali agave, a rare and exotic varietal that is notoriously difficult to ferment and distill due to its volatile, foaming properties. The patience required to capture this spirit results in a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel. It showcases a fascinatingly rich palate full of spiced, warm, and sweet vegetal undertones, accompanied by a soft, delicate smoke.
.Especial Tepeztate: Made from the legendary wild Tepeztate agave, which thrives on the steepest rocky cliffsides and takes a remarkable 25 to 35 years to reach full maturity. Bottled at 48% ABV, this premium mezcal is an absolute masterclass in herbal intensity, displaying robust aromatics of wet stone, wildflowers, green pepper, and jalapeño spice, all balanced by a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Espadín Distilled with Mango: An innovative, fruit-forward expression that follows the historical production methods of a traditional Pechuga mezcal, but substitutes meat for fresh, local fruit. During the third distillation of their signature Espadín, perfectly ripe mangos are added directly into the copper pot still. This creates a magnificently aromatic, sweet, and bright spirit where juicy mango notes elevate the crisp agave and subtle smoke.