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 Aromas, Flavors & Sensations

The agave species, the region, maturation, cooking, and fermentation provide both volatile and non-volatile aromatic compounds that shape the unique flavor and aroma of mezcal.

During the distillation process, these compounds are separated, and methanol is eliminated through evaporation.

Distillation focuses on separating and concentrating volatile compounds—such as ethanol and other aromatics—from the fermented agave must. While the volatile compounds evaporate and condense, the non-volatile ones, like fatty acids and phenols, remain in the liquid phase and are not transferred to the distilled fraction.

Guided by the customs of their community and years of experience, the maestro mezcalero blends the fractions, or distillation cuts, and adjusts the alcoholic strength, further refining the flavor.

The fractions are:

  • Heads (Puntas): methanol and higher alcohols.

  • Heart (Cuerpo or Mezcal): ethanol and around 80 volatile compounds.

  • Tails (Colas): acetic acid and acetaldehydes.

With great expertise, the producer determines the desired perla (pearl) through the traditional veneciado, ensuring the finest quality of artisanal mezcal with distinctive organoleptic qualities. Its identity is rich and complex—an experience for the senses and a journey into the traditions of the Oaxacan community where it is crafted.

 

As it is an artisanal mezcal, its flavor and aroma will vary from production to production.

 

Our mezcals are crafted in compliance with the Mexican Official Standard NOM-070-SCFI-2016 and proudly certified by COMERCAM, guaranteeing authenticity, safety, and the highest quality for both enjoyment and distribution.

MEZCAL CONTAINS MAJOR VOLATILE COMPOUNDS: Methanol and other superior alcohols.  And MINOR VOLATILE AND NON VOLATILE COMPOUNDS PRODUCED AT THE MOMENT OF COOKING: phenols and furans AND at the process of FERMENTATION where yeasts and ethanol will metabolize and produce: esters, terpenes,acetals, aldehydes.

 

 

    sweet, chocolate and mould 

Alcohol : 3-metil-1-butanol 1-hexanol
   Oct-1-en-3-ol 2-metil-1-propanol…


 

floral and organic cheese

Fatty acids: Propionic acid

Terpenes: limoneno, Alfa-Terpineol, linalol…

citric, floral, fruity, herbal and spicy

smoky, earthy, tannins, spicy like clover

Phenols: Eugenol, mequinol, guaiacol

Pineapple, strawberry, pear, ripe fruit 

Esters: Butanoato de etilo, Octanoato de etilo…

cinnamon,vanilla,citrics and flowers

Aldehydes: Acetaldehyde

 sweet, apple or fruity

Acetals: 1,3 dietoxi propan-1-ol, diethyl acetal

mushroom, butter, cream

Ketons: Oct-1-en-ona
 

  floral, fruity, toasted and caramelized

Furans: Furfural

How to taste and find the AROMAS, FLAVORS & SENSATIONS

Vía RETRO-NASAL olfaction 


 

Finding aromas and flavors requires both smelling and tasting. The volatile aromatic compounds travel through our mouth, nose, and nasal cavity, sending signals to the olfactory center in our brain.

This is how we perceive and discover the aromas of mezcal.

For example: pear, chocolate, orange, mushrooms, herbs…

TRIGEMINAL
SENSATIONS

The trigeminal nerve is activated during tasting, providing sensations such as:

​​

Hot

Astringent

Pungent

Sharp

Refreshing

​​

Each sip is an experience, engaging not just the palate, but the whole sensory journey, from aroma to tactile sensation.

TASTE: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami, and fatty

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