Creyente Mezcal Joven is a blend of two 100% agave mezcals from two separate regions of Oaxaca. These are the rich soils of Tlacolula and the wild, mountainous terrain of Yautepec, the company reports.
This mezcal was created by Pedro Mateo and Mijail Zarate, a pair of mezcaleros with individual styles who worked togther on this ultra-premium blend. Creyente Mezcal Joven is in select U.S. Markets now for a suggested retail price of $49.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
Creyente begins with the selection and harvest of Espadín agave from the regions of Tlacolula and Yautepec by Mateo and Zarate. In separate distilleries, they begin by removing the pencas (leaves) and roasting the piñas (hearts) using a method with mesquite wood in a horno cónico de pierdra (stone oven) for three days. The roasted piñas are ground by hand using a molino de piedra (stone mill) to extract their syrups, fermented in wooden barrels, then distilled in small copper stills.
Finally, following distillation, the two mezcals are cut with natural spring water, blended with each other, and together they become Creyente.
The resulting flavor profile is achievable only by way of a blend, akin to the final steps of whiskey production. The finish is smooth, without sacrificing mezcal’s signature smokiness. The company says that the flavor notes are best represented by the mythical hybrid creature perched upon the packaging:
Antelope (Legs): Sweet hints of fruit and light herbal notes
Jaguar (Head and Torso): Full, velvety smooth body
Golden Eagle of Mexico (Wings): Classic Mexican mesquite mezcal smokiness
Enjoy Creyente as an ultra-premium mezcal should be served: neat, alongside a pinch of worm salt and a slice of orange.