I remember my first introduction to Mezcal, I was probably in my early twenties bar hopping somewhere in Tijuana. I just remember some bottle with a worm inside that tasted like gasoline. Unfortunately most people are first introduced to a cheap, diluted, chemically altered, mass produced Mezcal,as I was.
The purity of true Mezcal has a distinctive soulful earthiness, floral undertones and elegant smoky qualities. As the gracious host "Chava" pulled down the obscure artisanal Mezcals from all over Oaxaca State, I noticed each had its own distinct character and purity.
My notes became jaded after a few Mezcals, but I did manage to jot down Pierde Almas Mezcal as being one of the favorites of Ms. Masa and I. Pierde Almas is a double distilled spirit, primarily derived from three different species of agave, Espadin, Dobadaan, and the prized Tobala.
As the Mezcals kept coming I was served some fresh botanas, the first was a simple house made guacamole spread on a tortilla.
If you follow my blog you no my love for stuffed chiles so when I looked at the board and noticed "Chiles de Agua" I just had to order it. Roasted Chiles de Agua stuffed with Oaxacan Cheese in a Black-Bean Purée. Spicy with herbal notes and the perfect accompaniment for my Mezcals.
I was hoping to get some gusanos de maguey (which I love) but they were all out so I ordered some Chapulines, seasoned lemon and garlic roasted grasshoppers.
If you want to experience what an outstanding Mezcal and world-class spirit tastes like, check out El Agave Gastro bar. The owners Laura and Chava are super friendly and will be more then happy to give you a taste of Oaxaca. For more information you can visit my original post here.
El Agave Av. Ruiz #230-a (2nd and Ruiz)
Tel (646) 175-7467
152*14*13470
elagave@hotmail.com
Looks fabulous MA! I had some "real" Mezcal a few years back, and couldn't believe how bad the stuff I had given up years ago was.
ReplyDeleteThose chilies de agaua look great!! What kind of chilies are those??
ReplyDeleteHi Kirk... Thanks yeah the difference between the low grade stuff and the premium artisan is huge.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry.. That is the actual name of the chile "Chile de agua" they are found in Southern Mexico, most often in Oaxaca, and are very piquant.
For a great mezcal check out Ilegal mezcal, www.ilegalmezcal.com these guys are producing some amazing fine sipping mezcals
ReplyDeleteSo I was just outside of Ensenada about a month ago, and determined to find good mezcal. I had no such luck. My girlfriend and I loved the place though, and are planning on returning in a month or so, and I am so glad I stumbled on you site. Since I will be driving, I can only try a couple, so if you had to pick, what would you suggest?
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