Our Riazuleño Clasico possesses a very intense aroma and flavor, with floral and fruity notes containing oils that come together with the essence of green Espadin agave. It is lightly sweet, with a light scent and notes of wood smoke. This pleasant, balanced spirit has all the characteristics of a traditional Mezcal.
Riazuleño is produced by Riazul in the foothills of San Dionisio Ocotepec in Oaxaca, Mexico on a single estate, owned and operated by our Maestro Mezcalero Gelasio Cruz. Our premium-quality, 100% Espadin agave Mezcal has the balanced taste profile of a traditional Mezcal. It is produced in the traditional, artisanal manner dating back hundreds of years. Pinas are cooked for up to three days in conical pits with hot, volcanic rocks, and covered with an earth layer and hay-like fabric to hold in the smoke. This process renders out a crystalline liquid, forming small beads called pearls ... a hallmark of quality for Espadin agave spirits.
What is Mezcal?
Tequila and Mezcal are produced in different states in Mexico (though there is overlap). Mezcal is made in 8 different regions of Mexico: Oaxaca, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, and the recently-approved Michoacan.
Tequila can only be made, by law, with one variety of agave: the Blue Agave. Mezcal can be made with upwards of 30 varities. The production process for Mezcal is also different from Tequila, leading to a distinctly different flavor profile. With artisanal Mezcal production, the piñas are cooked in an underground, earthen pit.
