Mal Bien - Tepextate (Cortes)
Mengolí de Morelos, Miahuatlán, Oaxaca 0220AC, 46.5%, 240 bottles, February, 2020
Produced by Ageo, this batch comes from semi-cultivated plants grown on the chalky hillsides surrounding the Cortes family home. Look for fresh jalapeños and herbs on the nose, and a palate that’s all bright, high notes and a dusting of cacao.
Felipe and his son Ageo are the 3rd and 4th generations of the Cortes family to produce mezcal in the Miahuatlán district of Oaxaca, an area famous for producing some of the best mezcal in Mexico. They are related to the neighboring Ramos family via Felipe’s wife (Ageo’s Mother).
More info on mezcalmalbien.com
PRODUCTION
OVENS: 15 ton pit
COOK TIME: 6 Days
WOOD: encino, guamuche, mesquite
REST: tepextate and tobalá are milled immediately, others rest 5-7 Days
MILL: tahona
FERM TANKS: sabino, oak
WATER: well
FERM. TIME: 3-8 days
DISTILLATIONS: two
STILLS: two copper alambiques con refrescadera (275L/each)
ADJUSTMENT: puntas y colas