Intro
Nación de las Verdes Matas is a new project that is focused on bringing small batch agave spirits from the northwestern Mexican states of Nuevo Leon, Durango, and Tamaulipas to light while fostering their continued survival.
They are uncertified by the CRM and labeled as “spirits distilled from agave” even if their makers may consider them as traditional mezcals. They do have a NOM, NOM 142, which is a catch all for all Mexican spirits that don’t have another NOM. And, the distillers are known as “maestros vinateros” instead of maestros mezcaleros.
Details
- Location: Las Virgenes, Tamaulipas
- Agave: A. americana, A. asperrima, A. univittata
- Maestro Vinatero: Jose Castellanos
- Quantity: 150 liters
- ABV: 48%
- Tasting Keywords: Blue cheese, shitake mushroom.
- NOM: NOM 142
- Buy it today
Nose
Funky fermented nose full of blue cheese and mushrooms.
Taste
There is a bit of that fermented funk on the mouth but more distinct flavors of pine, juniper, and a hint of mint. This is true odd ball that I will return to time and again.
Method
Made from three very different agaves, two that are rarely used in mezcal. 33% each of A. americana, A. asperrima, and A. univittata.
This was twice distilled in a stainless “Patente Adams” still. It has that name because it’s an American still. According to the distiller it was brought to Mexico during Prohibition because distilling in stainless steel was an American thing. That same still is used for this mezcal.
This is also just heads and well water, quite a unique combination.
I have a bottle from Nacion de las Verdes Matas too but it’s labeled as Mezcal. I was glad to find this post to get more info!