Mezcal Los Danzantes
ABOUT:
Mezcal Los Danzantes (often sold under the name Los Nahuales in the United States due to trademark reasons) is a pioneering, highly respected artisanal brand rooted in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca—widely recognized as the "World Capital of Mezcal." Founded in 1997 by brothers Gustavo, Jaime, and Hugo Muñoz, the brand was created with a mission to rescue, elevate, and protect authentic mezcal traditions while modernizing its reputation on the world stage. Today, the distillery is directed by the highly acclaimed chemist and Maestra Mezcalera, Karina Abad Rojas. The brand strictly maintains 100% artisanal, centuries-old methods: mature agaves are slow-roasted in underground conical earthen pits fueled by white oak, crushed by a traditional stone tahona (famously pulled by their resident horse, Sansón), naturally fermented with wild airborne yeasts, and double-distilled in copper pots. Deeply dedicated to both cultural heritage and sustainability, Los Danzantes serves as a global benchmark for premium, ethically produced Oaxacan spirits.
WEBSITE:
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Espadín Joven: The brand’s classic flagship expression, crafted from cultivated Agave Espadín and bottled at 47% ABV. It pours perfectly transparent and presents beautifully balanced aromas of sweet cooked maguey intermingled with fresh green herbs. On the palate, it is light and vibrant, delivering notes of fresh fruit and green botanicals. It concludes with a long, satisfying finish highlighted by elegant wood and gentle, lingering smoke.
Reposado: A beautifully refined expression crafted from Espadín and generally bottled around 46% ABV. It is carefully rested in fine French oak barrels, which naturally softens the spirit and imparts a light golden hue. The aging process introduces warm notes of vanilla, toasted wood, and gentle baking spices that perfectly complement the earthy, smoky core of the roasted agave.
Añejo: A remarkably elegant and mature Espadín expression, bottled at 46% ABV. Extensively aged in French oak, it takes on a deep, rich amber color and a highly sophisticated profile. The palate is luxuriously smooth and robust, brimming with complex layers of dark chocolate, sweet dried fruits, butterscotch, and warm oak, finishing beautifully with a mature, integrated smokiness.
Arroqueño Joven: A premium, small-batch artisanal expression crafted from the massive, wild-harvested Agave Arroqueño (Americana) and bottled at 48% ABV. It offers a wonderfully complex and sweet nose, bursting with aromas of mango, banana leaves, chocolate, and caramel. The tasting experience is unctuous and deeply layered, revealing rich notes of toasted almonds, dark chocolate, pear, and butter.
Tobalá Joven: Handcrafted from the revered, wild-harvested Agave Tobalá (Potatorum) and bottled at 48% ABV. The aroma is vibrantly fresh, defined by the bittersweet scent of quince and rich cooked maguey. On the palate, it is highly elegant and dynamic, offering bright, light citrus fruit flavors that seamlessly transition into an herbal, green finish anchored by a pleasant and distinct smokiness.
Pechuga: A spectacular ceremonial expression crafted by running their classic Espadín mezcal through a highly specialized distillation. A complex blend of seasonal fruits and local spices are added to the still, while a raw chicken breast (pechuga) is suspended in the vapors. This imparts a remarkably rich, savory, and silky texture to the spirit, layered with beautifully festive and sweet flavor notes.
Still Proof (Maduro en Vidrio): A specialized, high-proof expression crafted from Espadín. Rather than being aged in wood, this mezcal is patiently rested in glass demijohns (maduro en vidrio) for an extended period. This traditional technique naturally harmonizes and mellows the spirit without masking any of the natural maguey characteristics, yielding an exceptionally smooth, robust, and pure agave profile.