Mezcal Macurichos
ABOUT:
Mezcal Macurichos is a deeply traditional brand rooted in the iconic mezcal-producing community of Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca. The brand was launched in 2012 by Maestro Mezcalero Gonzalo Martinez Sernas as a profound tribute to his grandfather, Rosalino. The label prominently features an illustration of Rosalino returning home on horseback after a long day working in the fields (en el campo), representing the brand's core ethos: "When you drink Macurichos, you are drinking years of our family's history, work, and sacrifice." Led by Gonzalo and his brothers, Macurichos is dedicated to protecting Oaxaca's agricultural heritage by cultivating diverse agave fields from seed and reforesting wild agave populations. The family produces strictly micro-batch artisanal and ancestral mezcals using time-honored methods: agaves are cooked in conical earthen pit ovens using pine and mesquite, milled by a horse-drawn stone tahona, naturally fermented in encino (oak) vats, and double-distilled in either classic copper pots or ancestral Filipino-style clay pots.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Ancestral Tobalá: Handcrafted from 100% wild Agave Tobalá (Potatorum) and double-distilled in traditional clay pots. Bottled around 47.5%–48% ABV, this expression offers a uniquely herbal take on the Tobalá plant. The nose features petrichor, dry soil, and vibrant botanicals like thyme and coriander. On the palate, the clay still's earthy influence beautifully balances the agave's natural sweetness, delivering delicate notes of vanilla, light citrus, and soft green pepper with a long, elegant finish.
Ancestral Arroqueño: A remarkable ancestral expression distilled in traditional clay pots. Bottled at a robust proof (varying by batch, often around 47-55% ABV), this mezcal showcases the profound influence of the clay still. It offers complex, earthy aromas of pine, chocolate cream pie, and a distinct clay funk. On the palate, it is rich and textured, delivering notes of wild honey, vanilla, cream, and leather, finishing with white pepper and charred mesquite.
Madrecuishe: Handcrafted from 8- to 18-year-old Agave Madrecuishe. This expression offers a deep, intense, and highly robust nose with fascinating notes of orange pith, grapefruit, and crayon wax. The palate perfectly balances bright floral notes and fruit with a deeply precise, evolving minerality and integrated smoke.
Tepeztate: An artisanal expression that perfectly translates the stubborn, wild nature of the Tepeztate agave. It is distinctively green, bright, and herbaceous, featuring sweet vegetal aromatics of bell pepper, roasted corn, fresh cilantro, and Thai basil.
Espadín "Destilado con Cacao": A stunning, family-crafted ancestral specialty distilled in a clay pot, usually bottled around 48.8% ABV. During the second distillation, fresh Oaxacan cacao—handcrafted by Gonzalo's mother and aunts—is added to the still. It bursts with aromas of hot cocoa, while the palate remains incredibly graceful and light, offering notes of pink peppercorn, jasmine, and herbs. The finish is salty, earthy, and lightly smoky, reminiscent of unwrapping a piece of dry artisan chocolate on a dusty road.
Ensamble (Karwinskii Blend): A masterful field blend uniting four subspecies of the Karwinskii family (Cirial, Madrecuishe, Barril, and Bicuixe), distilled in copper pots and bottled around 52.9% ABV. It opens with an angular, fruity nose that resolves into a starchy finish. The palate is brilliantly zesty and herbaceous, bursting with melon, citrus, fresh soil, and a distinctive note of jasmine.
Pechuga & Meat Expressions: Macurichos also produces highly traditional ceremonial expressions, such as their Espadín 'Conejo' (distilled with rabbit) and 'Pechuga de Guajolote' (distilled with turkey breast), which offer rich, savory, and full-bodied textures reserved for special occasions.
Puntas: The brand periodically releases ultra-rare puntas (the highly potent, flavor-dense first cuts of the distillation run) spanning various wild agaves like Jabalí and Tepeztate, meant for the most dedicated mezcal purists seeking unapologetic, still-strength intensity.