Fruit Pechuga
Pechuga expressions of mezcal (classified as distilado con) often add seasonal fruits/spices/botanicals during the third distillation and suspend raw meat in the still so that the vapors passing over pull flavor into the distillate.
This fruit Pechuga omits the meat component. Additionally, two different mezcaleros (Ageo Cortes and Victor Ramos) used the same harvest of espadin for the base mezcal and the same harvest of dragon fruit, banana, and mango for the fruit influence. The result is an interesting study in the influence of the mezcalero when given the same raw ingredients.
Fruit Pechuga (Dragon Fruit, Banana, Mango) - Ageo Cortes - 51%
Notes: Tons of banana and dragon fruit/pear on the nose. Touch of BBQ underneath. No way I'd guess this was mezcal blind. The agave notes are there but the fruit really demands your attention. More traditional on the palate. Sweet, cooked agave mingling with bruleed banana. Baking spice. Herbal top notes and tart, underripe banana give the structure a necessary lift and keep it from laying too flat. Low heat in the finish - smoke lingers.
Score: 8 (Stash One) Totally unique. I have to be in the mood for it - very banana forward. Expertly composed.
Fruit Pechuga (Dragon Fruit, Banana, Mango) - Victor Ramos - 51%
Notes: Much more traditional on the nose. Lime. Little bit of the mango. Hits more traditional fresh pepper, vegetal agave notes than Cortes'. Very active on the palate - top to bottom. Moves more quickly and with greater definition. Citrus, vinegar based BBQ sauce, fresh peppers. Faint lactic notes. Long and a touch hot.
Score: 8 (Stash One) Completely different ride. All the soft sugars from Cortes' version got traded in for acid and fresh vegetal notes. More power here, less finesse.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour