Mocel Cupreata 2023 is single-agave mezcal from the temperate forests of Michoacán, made in a batch of just 360 bottles and presented in a hand-crafted ceramic bottle. It is one of the most decorated mezcals of recent years, with a 99-point Double Gold at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Mocel was founded by sisters Rosalinda and Elizabeth Mendoza, daughters of farmworker immigrants from Michoacán who grew up in Washington's Yakima Valley and spent time in their grandparents' rural Michoacán community. The brand works with traditional mezcaleros in the state, which holds a denomination of origin for mezcal, and makes its spirits from only agave and water, with no additives. This 2023 batch was made by maestro mezcalero Livorio.
The agave is cupreata, known locally as Chino: a wild variety of the Michoacán highlands that takes eight to ten years to mature. The hearts are roasted in an underground oven lined with volcanic stone, then fermented with wild, naturally occurring yeasts in open vats made of pine wood set into the ground. Distillation is done twice in a wooden still, a method particular to Michoacán that gives the spirit a soft, rounded texture. The result was distilled in 2023 and bottled at 96 proof.
Awards & Recognition
- Double Gold, 99 points, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026
- Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023
- Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025
- Silver, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024
- Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Mexico Selection 2023
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Delicate and herbaceous, with green, fresh agave and a light wisp of smoke.
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Palate: Smooth and light, with herbal and floral notes over gentle roasted agave.
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Finish: Clean and soft, with lingering herbs and light smoke.
Specifications
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Producer: Mocel Mezcal; maestro mezcalero Livorio
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Style: Mezcal Artesanal
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Vintage: Distilled 2023; batch of 360 bottles
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Proof / ABV: 96 proof (48% ABV)
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Agave: 100% wild cupreata (Chino), 8–10 years to maturity
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Cask / Finish: Unaged; underground volcanic-stone oven, wild fermentation in pine vats, twice distilled in a wooden still
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Region: Michoacán, Mexico
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Size: 375ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat at room temperature from a copita or small glass, with orange slices and a pinch of sal de gusano alongside in the traditional way. Its herbal, light-smoke profile suits ceviche, grilled fish or fresh cheeses, and a mild cigar. With so few bottles made, it is a collector's mezcal and a memorable gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bottles of Mocel Cupreata 2023 were made?
Mocel lists the 2023 Cupreata as a single batch of 360 bottles.
What awards has Mocel Cupreata won?
Mocel lists Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2026 (99 points) and 2023, Gold in 2025, Silver in 2024, and Gold at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Mexico Selection in 2023.
How is Mocel Cupreata made?
Wild cupreata agave, locally called Chino, is roasted in an underground volcanic-stone oven, fermented with wild yeasts in open pine-wood vats, and distilled twice in a wooden still.
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