96 POINTS PLATINUM MEDAL "SUPERLATIVE" BTI 2013
Eleven generations of continual mezcal distillation with a legendary commitment to craftsmanship and experimentation have culminated in a spirit that is simultaneously complex and approachable. Don Amado is made from earthen-roasted maguey hearts which are, after crushing, fermented together with their piña fibers for a rich maguey character. The mash is then double-distilled in small traditional ceramic clay pots. Aged varieties are matured in American oak casks previously used for barreling Pedro Domecq brandy.
Mezcal can be produced from more than fifty different species of the maguey plant. Various styles are traditionally enjoyed, ranging from pure single-varietal spirits to ensamble distillations of different species roasted, fermented, and distilled together.
The influence of the minero clay still is quite prevalent on the nose with aromatics leaning towards ash, crushed walnuts, roasted corn, and savory spices. A bright, citrusy espadin agave palate is well balanced against notes of caramel, butterscotch and fresh herbs.
96 POINTS PLATINUM MEDAL “SUPERLATIVE” BTI 2013
“This floral, silky mezcal is made in ceramic pot stills in southern Mexico’s Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca. The libation is twice distilled and filtered three times for a uniquely smooth finish. The bouquet hints at vanilla and honey, while a citrus agave flavor lightens the mouth and settles quickly. The quality of Don Amado’s agave is rooted in the distillery’s practice of using only estate-grown plants, which are hand-selected as needed for specific batches. Harvested between 27-28 brix, the high sugar agave yields a wonderfully sweet aroma. Truly a treat to be savored! This has some seriously enticing licorice, orange zest and hickory smoke aromas. The flavors are both elegant and snappy with a light earthy note, more of a feel than a flavor, coming from the traditional ceramic still used. The finish is wonderfully nutty with a light dose of vanilla. Very, very fine.”
— D&M Wine Cellars
6/700 ml
ABV: 47%
Case Weight: 10 kg
Case Dimensions: 31cm L x 24cm W x 29cm H
Cases per Pallet: 50; 5 tiers of 10 cases each
UPC Code: 6 18115 94704 4
SCC Code: 1 06 18115 94704 1
On the nose, there are aromas of summer stonefruit, soft tea rose, and toasted red chiles peppers. The exotic tastes of Earl Grey tea, dried orange peel, candied mango, cinnamon, and faint woodiness lead to a smooth, jammy finish with a lingering hint of black licorice.
Rich aromas of roast agave, oceanic salt spray, with notes of lactic fermentation.
This ensemble is like the bass section of the orchestra. It opens with a rumbling timpani then bursts of mineral highlights. In the background there are always these brooding flavors from the woody Bicuishe which are subsumed in the sweet minerality of the Tobala. This play of flavors make you sit and contemplate but there’s a real tension because the mezcal is so restrained that you’re always expecting something else to happen.
Like its relative, the karwinsii ensemble, this one is an argument for a different form of ensemble. You rarely see this sort of combination, perhaps because it’s such a balancing act, and this label is a demonstration of possibility. The match of these two agaves with clay pot distillation is made in celestial places, it’s one of the more intellectual mezcals out there exactly because it makes you think.
6/700 ml
ABV: 46%
Case Weight: 10 kg
Case Dimensions: 31cm L x 24cm W x 29cm H
Cases per Pallet: 50; 5 tiers of 10 cases each
UPC Code: 6 18115 94703 7
SCC Code:1 06 18115 94703 4
Its aromas and tastes are very familiar Mexican flavors: roasted corn slathered in butter, hints of vanilla and cinnamon, tropical fruit like dragonfruit, and dried chilies with a moderate amount of smoke. The flavors of barrel-aging contribute spicier and more vanilla-driven notes.
6/700 ml
Proof: 94 Proof
Case Weight: 10 kg
Case Dimensions: 31cm L x 24cm W x 29cm H
Cases per Pallet: 50; 5 tiers of 10 cases each
UPC Code: 6 18115 94707 5
SCC Code: 1 06 18115 94707 2
