Fidencio Mezcal
ABOUT:
Founded by fourth-generation Maestro Mezcalero Enrique Jiménez in the historic "world capital of mezcal," Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Fidencio Mezcal is a deeply respected family-owned and operated brand. Honoring an uncompromising legacy of artisanal craftsmanship, Fidencio controls every step of the process—from cultivating their own high-elevation, mineral-rich agave to the final bottling. For their traditional expressions, production features time-honored methods: pit roasting over black oak, stone tahona milling, natural open-air pine vat fermentation, and double-distillation in copper alembic stills. However, Enrique is also a trailblazing innovator; he famously designed a revolutionary radiant heat oven to create specialized expressions that completely eliminate smoke, allowing the pure essence of the agave to take center stage. Offering premium, authentic quality at an accessible value, Fidencio beautifully bridges the gap between generations of Oaxacan tradition and modern mezcal appreciation.
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Clásico: The brand's multi-award-winning flagship expression, crafted from 100% estate-grown Espadín agaves (specifically utilizing fully mature capón plants where the stalk has been severed to concentrate sugars). Bottled at a robust still-strength (typically 47-49% ABV), this unaged mezcal delivers an incredibly authentic, artisanal profile. It greets the senses with delicate notes of wood smoke and green pepper, leading into a rich, full-bodied palate bursting with red apple, roasted agave, pine, and an earthy, spicy finish.
Unico (Sin Humo): A highly innovative, unaged Espadín expression designed for those who want to experience pure agave without the heavy char. Breaking from tradition, the piñas are slow-roasted in Enrique's custom-designed radiant heat oven (similar to tequila production) instead of a smoky subterranean fire pit. The result is a bright, clean, and entirely smoke-free profile that emphasizes the sweet, grassy, and pristine floral notes of the raw agave plant.
Clásico Reposado: A refined expression crafted exclusively from estate-grown Espadín and rested for nine months in American oak barrels. Bottled at cask strength, this resting period softens the wild edges of the spirit and imparts a beautifully complex, rich profile loaded with comforting layers of warm vanilla, sweet caramel, toasted almond, and a distinct cinnamon spice on the finish.
Pechuga: A rare, celebratory expression following historical Oaxacan tradition. The base Espadín mezcal is distilled a third time, during which a raw chicken breast is suspended inside the still alongside a seasonal basket of fresh, local fruits (like pineapple, mango, and coconut). The meat's proteins naturally soften the intensity of the smoke, creating an exceptionally round, fruit-forward profile packed with bright tropical notes, warm spices, and a subtly savory, rich mouthfeel.
Madrecuixe: Produced from the revered, slow-growing wild Agave madrecuixe (part of the tall, tree-like Karwinskii family). This expression is a masterclass in wild agave complexity. It offers an elegant, highly mineral-driven profile with a distinctly dry, herbaceous character, layered with notes of citrus peel, raw earth, and a clean, warming smoke.