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Espina Negra Tepeztate

Espina Negra Tepeztate is made by Mayolo, Honorato, and Roque Cruz Molina, whose family has been producing mezcal for four generations.

Rating: (8 reviews)
Brand:Espina Negra Mezcal
NOM:NOM-O314X
Mezcalero:Honorato Cruz Molina, Mayolo Cruz, Roque Cruz Molina
Maguey:Tepeztate
Agave:Marmorata
Grind:Tahona
Distillation:Copper
Style:Joven
State:Oaxaca
Town:Santa Ana
ABV: 45%
Age of plant: 20-25 years
Website: http://www.mezcalespinanegra.com/, opens in new window

About this mezcal

Espina Negra Tepeztate is made with wild agave Tepeztate in Santa Ana del Rio, Oaxaca. These agave can take up to 25 years to reach maturity and can be very difficult to harvest given that they grow in obscure places like steep hillsides and cliffs. The community of Santa Ana del Rio is located 80 km from Oaxaca City. There are only about 500 inhabitants of the small town, and most are involved in the production of agave and mezcal. The agaves used in this mezcal are traditionally cooked in a pit oven, milled by tahona, and double distilled in a copper still.

Espina Negra Mezcal

Espina Negra celebrates the mezcal of the Cruz Molina family, who have been working the fields of Santa Ana del Rio, Oaxaca for more than 4 generations. During his childhood, mezcalero Roque Cruz Molina, went out in the fields but forgot to wear his sandals. While out in the fields, he suddenly felt a thunderous electric shock through his body, as he stepped on a thorn of an agave plant. The thorn stuck through the big toe of his foot and his brothers, Celestino and Honorato, ran for their father. The father came and removed the thorn, but warned the boy to be careful as the thorn of the agave was sharp, but was also a source of income for the family. It was this experience that caused Roque to call his brand “Espina Negra” or Black Thorn.

Member rating

3.13 out of 5

8 reviews

whiskyvicky

whiskyvicky

4 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars10 months ago

Lot exp. EU.07
Interesting take here. Lovely stuff (imho) for the Malt Whiskey fan. A real distinct vegetal presence with this mescal.

Nose: Vegetal, slightly sweet and sour, not the Chinese food type, try bbq sauce mixed with tequila……the greens really show through

Taste: Slightly drying, I could see how this may offset some people. Greens, leafs, that is pea sprouts, arugula, Chinese broccoli, cauliflower

fini: medium long…..again I find, the taste doesn’t develop through the finish which would be a huge fault for any other spirit. Nonetheless, this seems to right in my wheelhouse ’nuff I bought another bottle!

Whiskey Vicky sez a solid 85 here……$89 in Berkeley, CA.

Lot exp. EU.07
Interesting take here. Lovely stuff (imho) for the Malt Whiskey fan. A real distinct vegetal presence with this mescal.
Nose: Vegetal, slightly sweet and sour, not the Chinese food type, try bbq sauce mixed with tequila……the greens really show through
Taste: Slightly drying, I could see how this may offset some people. Greens, leafs, that is pea sprouts, arugula, Chinese broccoli, cauliflower
fini: medium long…..again I find, the taste doesn’t dev

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draguindin

draguindin

1 review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars2 years ago

Lot RCM-TX. Watery and not a lot of character for a tep. Bummed because tepextate is one of my favorites. Plus it’s only 700ml. This has been relegated to being a mixer in my bar.

Americana Kyle

Americana Kyle

60 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars2 years ago

I’m a sucker for Tep, this was a decent offering. As others have said, it’s a bit mellow and leaves a bit to be desired, but it’s priced well and sometimes the occasion suites a pour like this.

COak

COak

228 reviews
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars4 years ago

The criticism of this bottle is fair. It’s a tepeztate with training wheels, but it’s priced very well. Not a lot going on, but it’s not too hot.

Tyler

Tyler

636 reviews
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars4 years ago

One of the most disappointing maguey Tepeztate mezcals I’ve ever tried. Can be easily summed up as: weak sauce. Flavors are super light. There is some slight salt, bell pepper, and sour cherry candy. I would give this a higher rating if it was a basic Espadin. It actually isn’t bad it is just bland. Even after watering it down to 45%, I expect more flavor given the label says the plants are 20-25 years old; the price in the US is so low that it almost raises red flags. Overall not a fan of this brand.

One of the most disappointing maguey Tepeztate mezcals I’ve ever tried. Can be easily summed up as: weak sauce. Flavors are super light. There is some slight salt, bell pepper, and sour cherry candy. I would give this a higher rating if it was a basic Espadin. It actually isn’t bad it is just bland. Even after watering it down to 45%, I expect more flavor given the label says the plants are 20-25 years old; the price in the US is so low that it almost raises red flags. Overall not a

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Rakhal

Rakhal

421 reviews
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars5 years ago

Very soft, a bit watery. Fresh jalapeño and green bell pepper. It’s just ok, pretty boring.

Nic Hnastchenko

Nic Hnastchenko

108 reviews
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars5 years ago

My favorite of their lineup.

Chris

Chris

40 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars5 years ago

This is not for the faint of heart. More like the espresso of tepextate, in your face with tons of tep flavor. For my taste though, the El Jolgorio tep is still out in front with five stars.

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