Erstwhile Tepeztate-Tobala Ensamble Mezcal

Erstwhile Mezcal is an importer from Brooklyn, New York, specializing in artisanal mezcal. Founded in 2017 by Yuan Ji and Kevin J. Brown, they are laser-focused on helping smaller, family-operated mezcal producers reach the US. This involves education, curation, and extensive research all in order to bring the best traditional small-batch mezcal to the consumer, while enabling the producers to expand.They never meddle with the mezcaleros production process and always pay them fairly, only stepping in when and where their help is needed. This includes fronting legal fees, finding a suitable bottling facility, and any similar hurdles which are overcome at the beginning of every partnership they make. Transparency plays a huge role in the way they operate, always stating where the mezcal is sourced from and actively communicating with the mezcal-loving community.Their very first release was the Erstwhile Mezcal Espadn from Rancho Blanco Gil. While the founders were scouring the Oaxaca countryside for a flagship Espadn Mezcal, they came upon master mezcalero Silverio Garca Luis. They immediately knew theyd found what they were looking for. Complex, elegant, balanced, as well as versatile and good value, it was the perfect fit for their first shipment from Mexico. Since then they have been partnering with some of the finest traditional mezcal producers.The Erstwhile Tepeztate-Tobal Ensamble Mezcal is a blend of two different mezcals, one made with tepeztate and the other with tobal agaves. The first brings green and vegetal notes, while the other takes care of the sweetness, fruit, and a full body. Produced by Juan Hernndez Mndez and Hortensia Hernndez Martnez, this small-batch mezcal is made from naturally-fermented agaves that are distilled using traditional methods and bottled at 88 proof. Pick a bottle up today!