REAL MINERO 2023 TEQUILANA | 700 ML

We are very excited to introduce the groundbreaking REAL MINERO Tequilana | 700 ml. This batch marks the first time the family has released a 100% Agave tequilana variety. While commonly known as the only agave allowed in Tequila D.O., tequilana actually evolved as a subspecies of Agave angustifolia, the most popular variety used for mezcal production in Oaxaca. While traditionally rare in Southern Mexico, the agave has become increasingly more prevalent among mezcaleros in recent decades due to its widespread cultivation after tequila's explosive rise in popularity. Comparing the production of Tequilana in modern tequila distillation versus traditional mezcal methods is an exciting endeavor, especially when explored through the lens of Real Minero's historic techniques and distinct palenque.

This Tequilana expression was crafted using the same process as all Real Minero mezcals. The agave was cooked in an earthen oven, crushed in an electric mill, fermented in open pine tanks, and distilled twice in traditional clay pot stills. After resting in glass for 3 months, this powerful expression (49.2% ABV) of the renowned agave species offers a rich combination of white pepper, honeycomb, milk chocolate, damp earth, roasted tomato, celery salt, and other wild notes. Only 55 liters were produced in June 2023.

PRODUCTION NOTES:

• Made by Maestro Edgar Ángeles Carreño
• 100% Maguey Tequilana (Agave tequila)
• Age of the agave: 8 years old
• Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca, México
• Roasted in truncated conical earthen oven 
• Electric mill
• Fermented in open air sabino barrels with natural yeast using well water 
• Double-distilled in Filipino style clay pot still (no water added)
• 49,2% ABV
• 55 liters produced in June 2023
• Rested in glass containers for 3 months before bottled