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Madre Mezcal: Origins, Tasting Notes And Types
by Ellie Balderson
TLDR
In this article, we take a look at Madre mezcal, its producers, production process, various types available, tasting notes, and then a sample cocktail for you to try at home.
Madre mezcal is a brand of mezcal.
Introduction
When we talk about the mezcal spirit, we can't fail to mention the Madre mezcal. It is made by hand in the rolling hills of Oaxaca in Sierra, Mexico. The mezcaleros have been watching the land for centuries and are the ones that began distilling the spirit of mezcal.
Let’s take a look at Madre mezcal, made with spirit and gratitude for everyone to enjoy.
Madre Mezcal in depth
Madre Mezcal is made from 100% agave and distilled from the cuishe and espadin agave varieties. It smoked with copal in the ground, and ground by a stone drawn by a horse.
You will be able to get your hands on the two types which are the 750ml glass bottle and the 250ml flask. The family of Jose Ines Garcia Morales proudly produces it in San Dioniscol, and also the families of Vasquez and Carlos Blas in Miahutalan and Mazlatan, respectively.
Madre Mezcal is made with 30% Maguey cuishe and 70% Maguey espadin.
During preparation, the agaves are roasted in an earthen pit. From there they are fermented with wild yeast and water from local wells. It is distilled in the aged copper still of the families.
Madre has a smoky hint with a sweet fragrance. Earthiness, herbal notes of sage, and minerals will appear on your tongue as you sip it, with a lingering floral finish.
Origin
It is said that the best mezcals found in Oaxaca are in reused plastic bottles purchased from the empty dirt roads. They are sold by the Palenques. It was on these roads that the two friends Tony and Stefan travelled down after meeting Jose, the original and current producer of Madre Mezcal.
Keeping true to tradition, plastic bottles that would be later on used in the making of Madre mezcal found their way over the border and all the way to Brooklyn bars who found creative ways to use this mezcal. What made it unique was its less smoky nature compared to the available options.
Over the past four years, Madre changed from plastic bottles to hand-poured, on the bartender’s hidden stash to being at the top of the menu. Madre has come a long way from a few drinks tucked in luggage to a product that friends share across America and some other parts of Europe.
Trying To Make A Change
Madre has come up with a Togetherness Campaign that aims to raise funds and create awareness for projects based in Manhattan. They want to build a strong community and support marginalized groups and individuals who are struggling. Their vision is to have a more caring and creative future. Madre believes in the equality of all humans and that everyone needs to take an active role in standing up against injustice.
This is possible by donating directly to a non-profit organization that does necessary and beneficial humanitarian work. At the moment the program supports RAICES, a non-profit organization that works to promote justice. It does this by providing free and low-cost legal services to families, children, refugees, and underserved migrants.
Madre Radio
If you really want to enjoy Madre mezcal then you can do it even better while listening to Madre radio. It is a Spotify playlist with some of the best sounds and songs that resonate with the history of Madre.
The music is well crafted to give you that vibe while you savor a Madre mezcal. Remember to ensure you have a lovely glass to enjoy it from.
Types of Madre Mezcal
There are two types of Madre mezcal and they are the espadin and ensamble. They are all made using the same artisanal method that has been used for centuries. Every single drop of this mezcal carries the natural taste of earth and agave from which it comes. Madre gives you a chance to enjoy some sweet and mineral flavors, with some tiny tones of sage.
Madre Mezcal Ensamble 750ml
For that revealing blend of agave, you will have to give this type a try. Madre ensemble is crafted to challenge the idea that all mezcal is very smoky.
It balances the flavors of espadin and cuishe agaves to achieve a well rounded finish. For a first-time mezcal drinker, this is the perfect taste to start with, and it can also be your everyday go-to option as a mezcal aficionado.
Madre Mezcal Ensamble 200ml
This is the same ensamble but in a smaller size that is best for taking out for an adventure or a gift to a friend that is new to mezcal. It comes in packs of three.
Madre ensemble is a favorite to many with a lot of positive reviews. Some people describe it as smooth, smokey, and a bit salty with a sweet aroma. Everyone is different, so you will find your experience is unique.
Madre Mezcal Espadin
This is made exclusively from espadin mezcal, allowing it's flavour to fully come through.
Madre Mezcal Cocktail Recipe
Cocktails elevate drinks to the next level. A Madre mezcal Cocktail is definitely something worth trying.
This cocktail does not specifically apply to Madre mezcal and in fact, you can use other mezcals.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Madre mezcal
- A single lime juice
- 2 ounces of fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
- Italian grapefruit soda and a splash of club soda
- Tajin chilli and lime seasoning
Preparation
Take 0.5 lime, run around the glass edge then roll the rim in a plate of lime seasoning and chilli.
Pour all the ingredients in a shaker except for the soda, the shaker should be filled with ice.
Shake and pour the drink into a glass with ice and top it off with a splash of soda. Then add garnish.
Note: If you do not have chilli or lime salt then you can make your own chilli salt by mixing finely chopped chilli peppers with salt.
Madre Mezcal Tasting notes
- Appearance: Clear
- Smell: Lush agave-forward with vanilla honey, vanilla, baking yeast, and dill notes.
- Flavor: Sweet roasted agave that is balanced with chalky, peppery, and salty notes.
- Finish: Lingering and warm.
The Bottom Line
Madre mezcal is mezcal with a purpose and is carefully made by the families to give its drinkers an excellent experience. It will resonate well with you whether you are a seasoned mezcal drinker or a first-timer.
If this is your first time trying mezcal, don't leave without checking out our beginner's guide.
When you try Madre mezcal, make the experience more authentic by sipping it from a copita glass. Our selection of glassware, barware and garnishes has you covered for getting the most out of your mezcal.
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