Del Maguey Pechuga is a rare, ceremonial mezcal made by adding a chicken breast and wild fruits to a third distillation of Minero mezcal. Bottled at 49% ABV, it is one of the most celebrated expressions from Del Maguey's Single Village range.
Pechuga begins with Minero mezcal that has already been double distilled. For the third distillation, about 100 litres of mezcal go into the still with about 100 kilos of wild mountain apples and plums, big red plantain bananas, pineapples, a handful of almonds and a few pounds of uncooked white rice. A whole chicken breast is then suspended by strings in the still, and a 24-hour distillation begins, with the vapour passing over the pechuga before condensing into a crystal-clear spirit.
The breast is there to keep the mezcal from being dominated by the fruit, creating balance. When the distillation is complete, the pechuga is removed and hung in the family altar room, the most important space in the house.
Pechuga has a nose of basil, lemon, ocean and fruit, and an almost Scotch-like smokiness. It is salty, very soft, and, yes, tastes a wee bit like chicken.
Traditionally made for celebrations and holidays, it is a remarkable bottle for mezcal enthusiasts and a fascinating gift.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Basil, lemon, ocean and fruit.
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Palate: Smoky, almost Scotch-like, salty and very soft.
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Finish: Gentle and savoury.
Specifications
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Producer: Del Maguey
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Style: Mezcal, Pechuga (third distillation)
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Expression / Batch: Single Village Pechuga
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Proof / ABV: 98 proof (49% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Minero mezcal re-distilled with wild fruits, almonds, rice and a chicken breast
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Region: Oaxaca, Mexico
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it slowly from a copita at room temperature, ideally for a celebration. It pairs with mole, roasted turkey or tropical fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pechuga mezcal?
Mezcal re-distilled with fruits and a chicken breast suspended in the still.
What base mezcal is used?
Del Maguey's double-distilled Minero mezcal.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 49% ABV, or 98 proof.
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