Xicaru Mezcal
ABOUT:
Xicaru Mezcal (whose name translates to "beautiful" in the Zapotec language) was created by Master Mezcalero Fernando Santibañez to honor his grandmother's cherished recipe and his family's deep roots in Tehuantepec. Produced in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, the brand prides itself on crafting highly approachable, traditional mezcals that balance robust smoke with delicate sweetness. The striking jaguar on every label pays homage to ancient Zapotec culture, symbolizing the strength, agility, and heritage of the region. Xicaru strictly adheres to time-honored Artesanal production methods: cultivated Espadín agaves are slow-roasted in conical stone ovens using native mesquite and ocote woods, crushed via a horse-drawn tahona, naturally fermented in open-air pine vats, and double-distilled in traditional copper alembics.
WEBSITE:
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Silver (Joven): The brand’s highly approachable flagship expression, crafted from 100% Espadín and bottled at an easy-drinking 81 proof (40.5% ABV). The nose offers a robust, natural combination of cooked agave, mesquite, and ocote wood. On the palate, earthy characteristics lead the way before opening up into bright citrus and rich, vegetal agave notes. A highly pleasant, measured tinge of smoke complements the profile without overwhelming it, finishing distinctively clean.
Silver 102°: An elevated, high-proof variation crafted to honor the tradition of master mezcaleros who prize the concentrated, undiluted characteristics of agave spirits. Bottled at a robust 51% ABV, this bold expression is created by taking a much narrower cut directly from the heart of the distillation. The crisp, high proof immediately asserts itself on the nose and palate, delivering intense agave and smoke before gradually softening into deeply vegetal notes and a long, warming finish.
Reposado: A beautifully rounded aged expression that rests for two to four months in medium-toasted American oak barrels. This gentle resting period imparts a natural straw hue and softens the herbal, smoky edge of the pit-roasted agave. It rewards the drinker with an exceptionally smooth palate where delicate tinges of sweet vanilla, caramel, and a hint of butterscotch gracefully balance the traditional smoke.
Añejo: A highly complex, concentrated spirit designed specifically for sipping. This expression rests for a minimum of one full year in used, medium-toasted American oak barrels and is thoughtfully bottled at a slightly higher 86 proof (43% ABV) to ensure the agave's essential characteristics aren't entirely masked by the wood. It boasts a deeply rich profile filled with pronounced notes of oak, sweet vanilla, and natural caramel, all delicately intertwining with a firm, robust smokiness.