Madrecuixe Tio Tello (96 proof) 750ml

Tio Tello's Madrecuixe comes from the extended Cortés family in San Dionisio Ocotepec, a village in Oaxaca's Central Valleys where mezcal production runs deep across generations. The Madrecuixe agave—also called Cuishe in some regions—is one of the wilder members of the Karwinskii family, recognizable by its tall, cylindrical structure that can take twelve to fifteen years to reach maturity. This particular expression is fermented in wooden tinas and distilled in traditional copper pot stills, yielding a mezcal that showcases the vegetal intensity and mineral backbone this varietal is known for. What sets Madrecuixe apart from the more common Espadín is its distinctive green, almost savory character. Expect bright notes of fresh herbs—think cilantro and green bell pepper—layered over an earthy, mineral core that recalls wet river stones. There's a gentle smokiness here, but it's never the main event. Instead, you get this interplay between vegetal freshness and subtle tropical fruit, with hints of pineapple and citrus peel emerging on the mid-palate. At 96 proof, it has enough structure to stand up in cocktails but remains approachable enough to sip neat. This is excellent alongside ceviche or aguachile where the herbaceous notes mirror the lime and cilantro in the dish. It also pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, particularly charred poblanos or roasted asparagus. If you're mixing, it brings serious dimension to a mezcal margarita or a smoky riff on a Paloma. For anyone in Lincoln Park looking to explore beyond the standard Espadín bottlings, Madrecuixe offers a compelling look at how different agave varietals express their terroir. The Cortés family's work honors traditional methods while producing mezcal that feels vibrant and contemporary—rooted in place but never locked in nostalgia. This is mezcal for people who want to taste the full spectrum of what agave spirits can do.