Humberto Alvarado
Cazcanes
47%
NAS
Cazcanes, best known for its range of additive-free tequilas, has made the jump into uncertified distillate. Produced by Humberto Alvarado in Jalisco, this spirit (which, we must emphasize again, is not technically tequila) is made using Blue Weber agaves chopped by axe before processing through a converted six-cylinder car engine. The mash then undergoes wild open-air fermentation and distillation in a wood-fired stainless steel still with copper coils. Consider us intrigued from the details alone.
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The aroma opens with a blast of smoked agave, less reminiscent of ash than it is barbequed fruit. There's a funky, almost gamey vibe that brings to mind meat, undertones of cardamom, grapefruit pith, mushroom and parsley, and a potently salty note characteristic of all Cazcanes releases.
Sparkling minerality zips in every direction. Tons of lime, cracked pepper, black tea and slate, dominated by a prevailing flavor I'd liken to moldy agave in the absolute best way possible. It's a kind of funkiness you'd never find in a conventional tequila. A hint of raw heat begins creeping in as well, surprisingly sharp for a spirit bottled at a modest 47% ABV.
Overripe lemon, sea salt, dry earth, oregano and anise combine for a superbly drawn-out finish. Any hint of sweetness observed on the nose and palate vanishes, replaced by a dry, vegetal character prickling with astringency.
Nuestras Raices is a stellar reimagining of tequila that may very well lay the blueprint for other brands in years to come. Not in terms of exact production methods, per se, but in its willingness to experiment. It's a breath of fresh air to see Blue Weber agave reimagined through a different lens. Though its funky, almost mezcal-like character will undoubtedly throw some drinkers off, anyone who knows what they're getting into is in for a treat.
93
Disclosure: The producer provided this sample to review free of charge, and without expectation of review or rating.
