Fuego y Humo Tepeztate is a joven artisanal mezcal from San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca, made by maestro mezcalero José Manuel Méndez from wild Tepeztate (Agave marmorata) and bottled at 47% ABV.
Tepeztate takes 20 to 30 years to mature and is infamous for its huge size, reaching five feet tall and six feet across. Fuego y Humo sources its plants wild in the hills of Oaxaca, all caponed, and the harvest requires a long drive and a hike into the backcountry, where piñas are cut in steep ravines and carried out on foot or by donkey; José's palenque, Casa Arriero, is named for the donkey guide. The mezcal rests for more than a year before bottling.
The nose has sweet herbal notes with the distinctive green, fresh and earthy aromatics of marmorata. The palate pops with spearmint, jalapeño, green peppers, vanilla ice cream and cucumber. Sweeter and more rounded than a typical tepeztate's sharp, defined flavours, it carries José's signature lactic, creamy texture throughout.
The hand-drawn agave label makes it a distinctive gift for mezcal lovers.
Sip it slowly from a copita.
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: Sweet herbs, green, fresh and earthy.
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Palate: Spearmint, jalapeño, green pepper, vanilla and cucumber.
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Texture: Lactic and creamy.
Specifications
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Producer: Fuego y Humo (José Manuel Méndez, Casa Arriero)
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Style: Mezcal Artesanal, Joven
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Agave: Wild Tepeztate (Agave marmorata), 20-30 years
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Proof / ABV: 94 proof (47% ABV)
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Region: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca, Mexico
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat from a copita at room temperature. It pairs with cucumber salads, green salsas or fresh cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the agaves?
Wild Tepeztate takes 20 to 30 years to mature.
Who makes it?
Maestro mezcalero José Manuel Méndez in San Dionisio Ocotepec.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 47% ABV.
Explore more in our Tequila collection.
