One of the reasons that I find the topic of mezcal so endlessly fascinating, is because it touches on so many layers of life. From the modern, to the ancient; the biological, to the medicinal; the poetic, to the political.
For this month’s class, we’re featuring a co-op of growers and maestros who all produce under the label Banhez. With us on this month’s call will be Brand Ambassador, Alex Jandernoa, and author of Understanding Mezcal, Jay Schroeder.
We’ll be featuring 4 single varietal expressions from their portfolio, and all are agave species we haven’t featured in the club so far: Tepeztate, Tobala, Arroqueno, and a first taste for anyone in PA of their Mexicano.
Our call will focus on the co-op style set up behind Banhez, and why this arrangement creates a fairer system for mezcaleros to work within, and ensures sustainability for producers and their families.
MEZCAL #1: Banhez Arroqueno
Maestro: Apolonio Patricio
Origen: Sam Agustin Amatengo, Oaxaca
Agave: Americana
ABV: 47%
Notes: Banhez Arroqueño is comprised of 100% arroqueño agave, an enormous species taking up to 25 years to reach full maturity and found only in rural regions of Oaxaca. This delightful mezcal is earthy and dark, with subtle smoke and underlying sweetness.
MEZCAL #2: Banhez Tepeztate
Maestro: Apolonio Patricio
Origen: Sam Agustin Amatengo, Oaxaca
Agave: Marmorata
ABV: 47%
Notes: Comprised of 100% Tepeztate agave (which can take up to 25 years to mature), this rare bottling of this unique agave species yields a flavor rich in smoke and terroir driven earthiness, with a green pepper vegetal nose, soft green apple fruitiness, and notes of citrus zest.
MEZCAL #3: Banhez Tobala
Maestro: Luis Pacheco
Origen: Ejutla, Oaxaca
Agave: Potatorum
ABV: 47%
Notes: One of the most revered of all agave species due to its scarcity and relatively small physical size, Tobalá agave has a growing period of up to 30 years. Banhez Tobalá is known for its intense aromatics and smooth flavor profile with tasting notes consisting of green mango, leather, and fresh green herbs.
MEZCAL #3: Banhez Tobala
Maestro: Luis Pacheco
Origen: Ejutla, Oaxaca
Agave: Potatorum
ABV: 47%
Notes: An exclusive for those of us in Pennsylvania. This mezcal is made from 100% semi-wild Mexicano agave, this mezcal is soft and sweet from beginning to end. Tasting notes include lemon zest, iron, and honeydew. Mexicano agaves in the Ejutla Valley can take anywhere from 10-15 years to fully mature.
