Erstwhile Arroqueño Mezcal

A bright, fresh, and surprisingly floral small-batch Mezcal from the center of the Mezcal universe.

Brooklyn-based Erstwhile Mezcal was founded in 2017 by Yuan Ji — an antitrust lawyer with a longstanding interest in social entrepreneurship and commitment to pro bono service — and Kevin J. Brown, a purveyor of antiquarian maps. They share a passion for the small batch production of exemplary Mezcal still produced in the tiny villages and family farms of central Mexico. Their mission is to discover, curate, and connect these fine Spirits with fellow lovers of the agave arts.

Erstwhile Arroqueño Mezcal is produced in the town of Santiago Matatlán — a town that calls itself "The World Capital of Mezcal." The Arroqueño was traditionally mashed and roasted before natural fermentation in open-air vats. It was distilled in a copper alembic stills by Master Mezcaleros Juan Hernández Méndez & Hortensia Hernández Martínez and bottled at 44% ABV. It’s surprisingly aromatic, light, bright, and floral with a citrus note.

Smartass Corner:
Arroqueño (agave americana) is a large agave native to the valleys of central Oaxaca. It is a relative of Espadin agave, but takes far longer to mature — requiring eighteen to twenty-five years to be ready for harvest.