Cruz De Fuego Mezcal Espadin [WAS $46]

Cruz de Fuego Mezcal Espadín is produced by a mother-and-son team in Santiago Matatlán, the historic heart of mezcal country in Oaxaca. This artisan mezcal represents traditional village production at a price that makes it one of the most accessible entry points into quality agave spirits available in Chicago. The espadín agave, Oaxaca's workhorse varietal, is roasted in earthen pit ovens and distilled in copper pot stills, yielding a spirit that balances authenticity with drinkability. Santiago Matatlán sits in the valley outside Oaxaca City, a village so dense with palenques that it bills itself as the world capital of mezcal. Cruz de Fuego's mother-and-son production team works in the ancestral method common to the region: mature espadín hearts are pit-roasted over mesquite and ocote, crushed by tahona or hand, fermented with wild yeasts in wooden tinas, and distilled twice in small copper stills. The resulting mezcal reflects the mineral-rich valley soils and the family's intent to produce a classic, unadorned expression of espadín without showmanship or category gimmicks. The palate opens with nectar-like stone fruit, preserved citrus, and savory herbs, followed by a gentle puff of smoke and a warming dose of spice on the finish. This is mezcal built for versatility: sip it neat to appreciate the espadín's natural sweetness and herbal backbone, or deploy it in a margarita, Oaxaca Old Fashioned, or any cocktail that benefits from smoke and agave character. Pair it with grilled fish, mole, or aged cheeses. The profile is clean enough for novices, layered enough for enthusiasts. Cruz de Fuego Mezcal Espadín is available for pickup at 1128 W Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.