The tequila brand Código 1530 has announced the release of Ancestral Mezcal and Artesanal Mezcal.
“After many years of going to Oaxaca, we were able to partner with trusted local producers from different regions in the San Juan del Rio region,” says Co-Founder/co-CEO Ron Snyder. “With their help, we have had access to a wide variety of palenques and communities; hence, the ability to make a very unique and exceptional ensemble.”
Código 1530 uses a mezcal master to adjust processes — such as the temperature and different types of agave — rather than machinery.
The brand sources agave from three different regions for sustainability and flavor purposes.
“Código 1530 has a great opportunity when creating its mezcal to use different types of agaves to obtain a wide range of natural flavors,” Co-Founder/co-CEO Federico “Fede” Vaughan explains. “By carefully combining different agave types, using espadín and tobalá from different terroirs, an incredibly well balanced mezcal was found that can be enjoyed either straight or in a cocktail.”
The Ancestral expression keeps with the ancient process and honors the origins of mezcal, the people producing it, and the region of Oaxaca, the company says. No machines or automation are involved in the process. The agave is mashed by hand using a wooden stick, the fermentation is done in a leather vat and the distillation in clay pots.
Starting with a sweet, earthy nose, notes of honey, tobacco and salinity from clay follow, the company says, with minerality, vanilla, cantaloupe and hazelnut to finish.
The Artesenal expression adheres to the traditions of mezcal, incorporating a donkey-pulled tahona wheel, wild fermentation with begasso and copper still for distillation. This expression features various terroirs that reflect the flavors of different elevation regions of Oaxaca. This includes a wild tobalá incorporated in the process, for the bolder notes of western Oaxaca.
The Artesanal mezcal rests in sauvignon blanc wine barrels. This takes advantage of the herbaceous aroma to create something with notes of floral, light woody vanilla, citrus, dark cherry with hints of earth and clay and a subdued smoke, the company reports.
Ancestral (43.1% ABV) and Artesenal (42.2% ABV) retail for a suggested price of $180 and $65 per 750-ml. bottle, respectively.
Both are available through the Código 1530 website and retailers nationwide.
