Don Amado Arroqueño is a rare mezcal from Oaxaca made from the Arroqueño maguey, a towering agave that grows for around eighteen years before harvest, bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV).
Don Amado comes from a family in Santa Catarina Minas, deep in the Oaxacan highlands, that has been making mezcal since the late 1700s. Master distiller Germán Arellanes Arellanes cultivates the Arroqueño at about 4,800 feet, where cooler mountain air and rich soil coax deep complexity from the plant. Unlike many wild agaves, Arroqueño can be cultivated, which makes this mezcal an ecological choice as well as a window into a flavour profile hard to find elsewhere. It is often described as the genetic mother of Espadín.
The agave is roasted in wood-burning earthen pits and distilled in the clay and bamboo pot stills typical of Santa Catarina Minas, which give Don Amado its renowned smoky, herbal character.
The nose offers bright floral aromatics of caramelised maguey, soft leather and gentle smoke, with an inviting sweetness. The palate opens with ripe cooked yam and quince, moving into persimmon, lemon verbena and kaffir lime, layered over dark chocolate, espresso and savoury spice. Rustic and refined at once, it makes a special gift for mezcal lovers.
Mezcal is made by roasting agave hearts, traditionally in earthen pits, then crushing, fermenting and distilling them, a process that gives the spirit its characteristic smoky depth. Each agave variety and each village brings its own character, which is why enthusiasts love exploring small-batch bottlings.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Caramelised maguey, soft leather and gentle smoke.
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Palate: Cooked yam, quince, persimmon, lemon verbena and kaffir lime.
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Depth: Dark chocolate, espresso and savoury spice.
Specifications
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Producer: Don Amado (Germán Arellanes Arellanes)
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Style: Mezcal, Joven
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Agave: Arroqueño, about 18 years
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Distillation: Clay and bamboo pot stills
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Proof / ABV: 92 proof (46% ABV)
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Region: Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca, Mexico
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat from a copita and let it breathe. It pairs with mole, grilled meats or dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Arroqueño grow?
Around eighteen years.
How is it distilled?
In clay and bamboo pot stills.
Where is it made?
In Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca.
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