Los Amantes Mezcal
ABOUT:
Los Amantes was founded in Oaxaca, Mexico, in 2004 with the goal of promoting the culture and traditions of this state through its most emblematic beverage: mezcal.
At Los Amantes, we believe that mezcal is much more than a spirit; it is the legacy of generations of men and women who have dedicated long hours of work and effort to perfecting the lengthy process of mezcal production, from the care and cultivation of the agave to its distillation. It is a process that embodies the living essence of the towns and communities of Oaxaca.
WEBSITE:
https://losamantes.com/index.php
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Los Amantes (which translates to "The Lovers") takes its name from the ancient Aztec legend of the goddess Mayahuel, who disobeyed her grandmother and gave her life to be with her lover, Quetzalcoatl. According to the folklore, the very first agave plant grew from her buried remains after they were watered by Quetzalcoatl's tears. Founded by Ignacio Carballido and Guillermo Olguín Mitchell, the brand is dedicated to preserving the artisanal, romantic heritage of Oaxaca. Produced in Tlacolula de Matamoros, their mezcals are crafted avoiding industrial processes entirely. They rely on 100% Espadín agave roasted in traditional earthen pits for at least 72 hours, crushed by a horse-drawn stone tahona, and fermented naturally in wooden vats using only ambient yeasts to yield spirits with an authentic, earthy, and pure character.
Joven: An unaged expression crafted from 100% Espadín that is uniquely triple-distilled, making it highly approachable and remarkably smooth. It features an inviting, lightly smoky nose with notes of sweet agave, eucalyptus, and subtle floral minerality. On the palate, it showcases bright, refreshing flavors of crisp apple, pear, and citrus, rounded out by a delicate touch of light chocolate and a comforting, clean, and mildly smoky finish.
Reposado: Double-distilled and aged for 6 to 8 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. This expression balances the authentic smoky soul of traditional mezcal with the elegant smoothness of wood-aging. It presents aromas of cooked agave, vanilla, roasted coffee beans, and subtle smoke. The palate is silky and rich, offering flavors of sweet agave, roasted peaches, soft caramel, and baking spices, ending in a long, harmonious finish.
San Martinero: Crafted from Agave Karwinskii, this is an advanced, deeply savory, and uniquely earthy expression. It features a fascinating nose of wet limestone, mint, and rich clay. On the palate, it drinks like sophisticated mountain-grown chocolate or whipped cocoa, which gradually transitions into vibrant green vegetal notes and stone, ending with a remarkably long, minty, and spicy finish.
Añejo: A sophisticated sipping mezcal that is aged for over 2 years in oak barrels. It pours a beautiful, clear amber color and greets the nose with robust aromas of caramel, vanilla, oak, and ripe cooked fruits (like apple and grape), along with hints of tobacco and honey. The mouthfeel is exceptionally smooth and rich, with the natural agave flavors perfectly mingling with the deep, caramelized notes imparted by the extensive oak maturation.