Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:25 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Tepeztate or tepextate is my favorite type of Mezcal, its rich spicy flavors make it an amazing sip.
This post answers your related questions!
Written by: J Highland
Key Takeaways
- Definition: Tepextate Mezcal is made from agave marmorata and requires about 20 years to mature in challenging conditions, contributing to its higher cost compared to Espadin.
- Flavor Profile: It is known for its deep, complex profile with fruity notes, delicate spices like cinnamon, and richer flavors than espadin mezcal. It’s best enjoyed by seasoned agave spirit drinkers due to its complexity.
- Consumption Recommendations: Tepextate mezcal is best savored slowly, neat, and in glassware like a whiskey tumbler that concentrates its rich aromas and flavors.
- Etymology: The name Tepextate originates from the Nahuatl word Tepetl, meaning mountain, fitting as the agave is typically found on mountainous cliffs
What is Tepextate Mezcal?
“Tepextate Mezcal is the type of mezcal made from the agave marmorata or marbled agave, requires about 20 years to mature in wild, challenging conditions. This long growth period, especially on steep slopes and rocky soils, contributes to its higher cost compared to Espadin. The surrounding vegetation, including chili peppers, influences its unique flavor profile. Tepextate’s low sugar content demands more plants for production, needing about 100 pounds per bottle versus Espadin’s 40. Its extensive aging leads to one of the most flavorful mezcal experiences, marked by a distinct and exceptional taste, prized for its complexity and depth.”, states mezcal expert Neil Coleman.
Tepeztate or Tepextate Mezcal?
Both terms, Tepextate and its various regional names such as Pichomel, Pitzometl, Maguey Curandero, Huiscole, or Becuela, refer to the same type of mezcal.
Upon closer inspection, one can observe that the leaves of the Tepextate agave appear disheveled, giving it a somewhat unattractive appearance compared to other more visually appealing agave varieties.
How does it taste?
Tepextate mezcal stands out for its deep, complex profile with fruity notes and delicate spices like cinnamon, offering a richer flavor compared to espadin mezcal.
Best suited for seasoned agave spirit drinkers, it might be overwhelming for newcomers.
Beginners are advised to start with espadin or tobala mezcal, which provide a gentler introduction to mezcal’s diverse world, helping to gradually develop an appreciation for Tepextate’s unique characteristics.
How to drink it?
When enjoying Tepextate mezcal, it is advisable to savor it slowly, allowing each sip to be enjoyed and appreciated.
Instead of mixing it into a colorful margarita, opt for a more deliberate approach.
To fully experience the rich aromas and flavors of Tepextate, it is recommended to use a whiskey tumbler or similar glassware that allows the aromas to concentrate and be enjoyed to their fullest extent.
Taking the time to appreciate the complexities of the mezcal will enhance your overall drinking experience.
What does it mean?
Tepextate derives from the Nahuatl word Tepetl, which translates to mountain.
This name is fitting as Tepextate agave is typically found growing on cliffs in mountainous regions.
The reference to its natural habitat in the name highlights the agave’s affinity for rocky mountain slopes.
Recommendations
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Rey Campero Tepextate
Rey Campero, revered as a top-tier brand, is committed to agave preservation and local sustainability.
Their Tepextate mezcal, known for rich mineral flavors and hints of vanilla, jalapeno, and peppercorns with balanced smokiness, offers an exceptional tasting experience.
Best savored neat, this premium spirit is priced around $120 USD.
Bozal Single Maguey Tepeztate
Bozal Mezcal, artfully crafted in Santa Ana, Oaxaca, comes in a visually striking bottle, adding elegance to any cabinet.
It features herbaceous aromas with a hint of wet stone, and flavors of grapefruit zest, orange flower, pine, and fresh floral notes, accented by white pepper and minerals.
With its herbal, citrus, and spicy undertones, Bozal Mezcal offers a rich sensory journey, appealing to discerning mezcal enthusiasts.
El Jolgorio Wild Tepeztate
El Jolgorio, a premium mezcal brand from Mexico and part of the 150-year-old Casa Cortes legacy, embodies celebration in its name and spirit.
Renowned for a rich flavor profile featuring spearmint, plantains, guava, ginger, camphor, and eucalyptus, it stands out in its category.
Ideal for special occasions, El Jolgorio mezcal delivers a distinctive and delightful experience, making it a top choice for enhancing celebratory moments.
Lalocura Tepeztate
Lalocura, crafted by Eduardo “Lalo” Angeles in Santa Catarina, Oaxaca, reflects his mezcal-making expertise honed alongside his father at Real Minero.
Its distinctive earthy flavor stems from traditional clay pot stills, which also soften the spirit for a smoother taste.
Lalocura uniquely combines sweet apple and lemon flavors, offering an exceptional and enjoyable mezcal experience, despite its slight heat.
Mal Bien Tepextate
Mal Bien, a personal favorite, crafted by master distillers Victor Ramos and son Emanuel in Miahuatlan, Oaxaca, stands out in my cabinet.
This Tepextate mezcal is unique for its pleasant saline quality and light vanilla notes, less spicy than others but highly enjoyable.
Its distinctive taste profile, embodying Miahuatlan’s renowned quality and craftsmanship, makes it a highly recommended choice.
Tosba Tepextate
Discovering Tosba mezcal, a true small-batch spirit from San Cristóbal Lachirioag in Oaxaca, is a rare find.
Crafted amidst diverse flora like coffee, mango, and sugar cane, Tosba Tepextate uniquely absorbs these subtle flavors.
This blend creates a complex and intriguing tasting journey, making it a prized choice for those seeking a distinctive mezcal experience.