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Maguey Melate Ensamble 2 – Luis Velasco

Maguey Melate Ensamble 2 was originally released as one of four spirits in the April 2023 Mezcalero of the Month Club.

Rating: (6 reviews)
Category:Destilado de Agave
Brand:Maguey Melate
Distillation:Filipino
Style:Blend
State:Jalisco
Town:Zapotitlan de Vadillo
ABV: 49.3%
Release year: 2023
Website: https://www.magueymelate.com/, opens in new window

About this destilado de agave

Maguey Melate Ensamble 2 was originally released as one of four spirits in the April 2023 Mezcalero of the Month Club. This represents the lifelong passion of Luis Velasco who has been collecting agave spirits in Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco for over 35 years.

These four ensambles or mezclas or blends started 35 years ago. Luis created 8 different ensambles/mezclas, blending together post-distillation mezcal from different producers in the region. Each ensamble/mezcla was 100 liters. When some liters of mezcal would be consumed, he would replenish them with more liters of freshly purchased mezcal, creating an ever-evolving 35-year-old ensemble/mezcla, more recently based purely on aroma.

These four releases all contain varying amounts of different agaves from the Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco region like Ixteco Amarillo, Alineno, Cuaquizoca, and Cimarron. Given these were blended over a 35 year period, it’s tough to say which releases contain which agaves.

These releases represent the landscape of Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco over the last 35 years. Luis decided to sell these to Maguey Melate in order to help raise funds to re-establish an old taberna and re-engage in the legacy of agave spirits production that exists on his wife’s side of the family.

Maguey Melate

Maguey Melate was founded on two ideas: 1) Artisanal agave spirits are amazing and should be shared with the world, and 2) The faster-cheaper economy is a harmful force for people, the environment, and now agave spirits.

They believe if mezcal (and agave spirits) can be understood and appreciated at its full potential, people will show their preference for quality artisanal mezcal that is sustainably and fairly sourced. By raising consumer consciousness on the origins of mezcal and educating enthusiasts on matters of quality and character, informed people will be empowered to ensure the future of mezcal. To do this, they’re reaching a large audience with an impactful message: KEEP MEZCAL ARTISANAL!

Maguey Melate is perhaps most well-known for their Mezcalero of the Month Club, which delivers artisanal small-batch agave spirits directly to the doors of consumers in the US and Mexico. In addition to the monthly spirits, they offer exclusive content and interviews with producers. Single releases are also available in the Maguey Melate shop.

Member rating

3.58 out of 5

6 reviews

Jonny

Jonny

700 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars7 months ago

Aromas on this are much less lactic than Ensamble 1. This has aromas of fresh flowers, confectionary sugar, baby powder, and freshly squeezed lemons. The palate mostly matches the nose with additional hints of cucumber, black pepper, and dry maple leaves.

tallchad

tallchad

103 reviews
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars9 months ago

The aroma is livelier than #1 with good heat and spices, still sweet but earthier.
The taste is not pleasant. There is some strong pucker-causing sweet-tartness.
The finish is ok but the tart pucker is still there.

My order of these ensambles: 4, 3, 1, 2

bluImbibe

bluImbibe

40 reviews
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars10 months ago

Nose: graham crackers, sour cream, wheat and rye, floral, baby powder, lemons
Palate: vegetal, mineral, hella cucumber, extremely cheesy and funky, black pepper

Rakhal

Rakhal

421 reviews
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars11 months ago

While Ensamble #1 was sweet, Ensamble #2 is earthy. It starts out sour like lemon juice, but quickly morphs into some really cool earthy flavors like decaying leaves, fresh forest soil, dried porcini mushrooms, and ancho chilies. Then as I swallow and let my breathe out of my nose I get a big hit of allspice and cinnamon. Oh yeah, I like this one.

Architor77

Architor77

4 reviews
Rated 3 out of 5 stars12 months ago

Not as sweet as Ensamble 1. Aroma is mineral and slight funk. Taste is a sour cream, touch of sweet and spice like cinnamon and pepper. Smoke is at the level of one of those incense style punks the hand out at fireworks stands.

Tyler

Tyler

636 reviews
Rated 3 out of 5 stars12 months ago

As a Club Mini subscriber, I ended up with Ensamble 2. It is a bit sour. Definitely getting some of those Jalisco flavors. These types of releases are what make MM so great even if every single mezcal they send is out mind-blowing. In the newsletter it said one of the four batches was “frowned up” post-purchase. Curious to know which one that was. Will revisit this and update if necessary. Right now it is just bit of a dank raicilla for me which I’m sure others will enjoy more than myself.

As a Club Mini subscriber, I ended up with Ensamble 2. It is a bit sour. Definitely getting some of those Jalisco flavors. These types of releases are what make MM so great even if every single mezcal they send is out mind-blowing. In the newsletter it said one of the four batches was “frowned up” post-purchase. Curious to know which one that was. Will revisit this and update if necessary. Right now it is just bit of a dank raicilla for me which I’m sure others will enjoy more

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