Brands
Mezcal Bottles
Learning Center
Arroqueño mezcal is a highly prized and rare maguey, created from an agave named Americana var. Oaxacensis. With a maximum height of over 13 feet (4 meters) and piñas weighing up to 660 pounds (300kg), this agave is truly massive. In fact, it’s the largest type of agave used in mezcal production.
The Americana var. Oaxacensis is grown wild in the valleys ant mountainous terrains of Oaxaca and San Luis Potosi, and takes up to 20 years to fully mature. Its long maturity time and sheer scarcity is why a bottle of Arroqueño mezcal will typically cost you anywhere between $80 over $200.
Fun fact: Arroqueño is the genetic predecessor of Espadín, the most common agave used in mezcal production due to its ability to be domesticated.
Arroqueño Fact Sheet
- Maturity Time: 15 – 20 years
- Geography: Rocky terrains throughout Southern Mexico
- Height: 13 feet or taller (3 meters)
- Elevation: 5,000 feet (1,500 meters)
Arroqueño Tasting Notes
Arroqueño mezcal is praised for its complex flavor profile, offering a unique tasting experience:
Aroma: The aroma of Arroqueño mezcal can have cover a wide range of notes, but in general you should expect to detect a bit of sweetness, floral aromas and earthy and woody undertones.
Flavor: Arroqueño has an incredibly layered flavor profile. Similar to the aroma, there are a wide range of flavors you can encounter, but in general you should expect a fusion of sweet and earthy notes complemented by subtle hints of fruitiness and a deep mineral finish.
Best Arroqueño Mezcal: Team Favorites
Looking for a tasty Arroqueño mezcal, but don’t know where to start? No problem. Here are 5 of our team favorites.
Best Arroqueño Mezcal
El Jolgorio – $250USD
| Maguey | Arroqueño |
| Type | Joven |
| State | Oaxaca |
Solid Arroqueño Mezcal
Siete Misterios – $150USD
| Maguey | Arroqueño |
| Type | Joven |
| State | Oaxaca |
Del Maguey – $120USD
| Maguey | Arroqueño |
| Type | Joven |
| State | Oaxaca |
El Buho – $110USD
| Maguey | Arroqueño |
| Type | Joven |
| State | Oaxaca |
Affordable but good, Arroqueño under $100
Koch – $75USD
| Maguey | Arroqueño |
| Type | Joven |
| State | Oaxaca |
Why is Arroqueño so expensive?
The cost reflects its long maturation period, artisanal quality, rarity, and the intricate, time-consuming processes involved in its creation. Most quality bottles you can find in the US will fall somewhere between $70 and over $200.
