Arroqueño mezcal: What it is and types to try

Arroqueño mezcal: What it is and types to try

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

El Jolgorio Arroqueño
El Jolgorio Arroqueño
Maguey Arroqueño
Type Joven
State Oaxaca

Solid Arroqueño Mezcal

Siete Misterios – $150USD

Siete Misterios Arroqueno
Siete Misterios Arroqueno
Maguey Arroqueño
Type Joven
State Oaxaca

Del Maguey – $120USD

Del Maguey Arroqueno
Del Maguey Arroqueno
Maguey Arroqueño
Type Joven
State Oaxaca

El Buho – $110USD

El Buho Especial Arroqueño
El Buho Especial Arroqueño
Maguey Arroqueño
Type Joven
State Oaxaca

Affordable but good, Arroqueño under $100

Koch – $75USD

Koch Arroqueño Artesanal
Koch Arroqueño Artesanal
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.

Spread the word!
Jeff
Jeff
13 Stories
0 Review

I started truly getting into Mezcal after a visit to Oaxaca years ago. It's now turned into a passion and hobby.