Erstwhile Arroqueno Mezcal

Erstwhile Mezcal is an importer from Brooklyn, New York, specializing in artisanal mezcal. Founded in 2017 by Yuan Ji and Kevin J. Brown, they are laser-focused on helping smaller, family-operated mezcal producers reach the US. This involves education, curation, and extensive research all in order to bring the best traditional small-batch mezcal to the consumer, while enabling the producers to expand.They never meddle with the mezcaleros production process and always pay them fairly, only stepping in when and where their help is needed. This includes fronting legal fees, finding a suitable bottling facility, and any similar hurdles which are overcome at the beginning of every partnership they make. Transparency plays a huge role in the way they operate, always stating where the mezcal is sourced from and actively communicating with the mezcal-loving community.Erstwhile Arroqueo Mezcal is crafted under the watchful eye of maestro mezcaleros Juan Hernndez Mndez and Hortensia Hernndez Martnez. Its made in Santiago Matatln, Oaxaca, using arroqueo agaves that are naturally fermented in wooden open vats, before being distilled using a copper alembic still. The wild arroqueo agaves take longer to mature than espadin, taking up to 25 years. Its worth it in the end, as the profile has a super-bright, floral, and botanical character, making Erstwhile Arroqueo Mezcal the most aromatic in Erstwhiles 2018 flagship lineup.Pick a bottle up today!