Erstwhile Henequén Mezcal

An earthy and briny Mezcal like you’ve never had before — made from rare Henequén agave.

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 Henequén Mezcal is the first Henequén-based Mezcal to be exported to the United States. It’s so rare that it can be hard to find even in Mexico. This is truly a special treat that every serious fan of the Spirit should sample and collect. Henequén Mezcals tend to be smooth, savory, and earthy with a mineral-saline note. Erstwhile Henequén Mezcal live up to that description with a complex, full-bodied sipper bottled at 45% ABV.

Smartass Corner:
Henequén agave (agave fourcroydes) is native to the Yucatán Peninsula. It is similar to the Century Plant, but has longer, narrower spears. Being so far from Oaxaca, it is rarely used in Mezcal.