A bright, fresh, and surprisingly floral small-batch Mezcal from the center of the Mezcal universe.

Brooklyn-based Erstwhile Mezcal was founded in2017byYuan Ji an antitrust lawyer with a longstanding interest in social entrepreneurship and commitment to pro bono service andKevin J. Brown, a purveyor of antiquarian maps. They share a passion for thesmall batch productionof exemplary Mezcal still produced in thetiny villages and family farms of central Mexico. Their mission is to discover, curate, and connect these fine Spirits with fellow lovers of the agave arts.

Erstwhile Arroqueo Mezcal is produced in the town of Santiago Matatln a town that calls itself “The World Capital of Mezcal.” The Arroqueo was traditionally mashed and roasted before natural fermentation in open-air vats. It was distilled in a copper alembic stills by Master MezcalerosJuan Hernndez Mndez& Hortensia Hernndez Martnezand bottled at 44% ABV. Its surprisingly aromatic, light, bright, and floral with a citrus note.

Smartass Corner:
Arroqueo (agave americana) is a large agave native to the valleys of central Oaxaca. It is a relative of Espadin agave, but takes far longer to mature requiring eighteen to twenty-five years to be ready for harvest.