Mal Bien Mezcal Madrecuixe Felipe + Ageo Cortes

Mal Bien Mezcal Madrecuixe Felipe + Ageo Cortes is a remarkable artisanal mezcal crafted by the skilled hands of Felipe and his son Ageo Cortes in the picturesque Miahuatlán District of Oaxaca, Mexico. This mezcal embodies the rich heritage and traditions of the Cortes family, who have been producing mezcal for generations in the serene village of Mengoli de Morelos, nestled in the heart of mezcal country.

To create this exquisite expression, the Cortes family begins with the sacred maguey Madrecuixe, a rare and cherished agave varietal known for its complex flavors and distinct character. The process starts with a patient and time-honored method of cooking the Madrecuixe agaves in an underground oven for an impressive 8-10 days. This slow roast allows the agave hearts to develop their unique flavors and aromas. What sets this process apart is the selection of specific woods – Encino, Yegareche, Mesquite, and Palo de Aguila – which infuse the agave with subtle smoky and earthy notes.

After the prolonged cooking process, the agaves are meticulously milled using an ox-drawn tahona, a traditional stone wheel that crushes the fibers to extract the sweet juice. The crushed agave pulp is then transferred to open-air fermentation tinas, where it undergoes a natural fermentation process for 3-8 days. This wild fermentation imparts depth and complexity to the mezcal, with the local microflora contributing to its unique character.

The final stage of crafting this exceptional mezcal involves double distillation in a copper refrescadera still. This careful distillation process refines the liquid, ensuring that the flavors are balanced and harmonious, while preserving the essence of the Madrecuixe agave.