NETA Pulquero from Primitivo Vásquez was produced maguey Pulquero (Agave americana) in Logoche, Miahuatlan, Oaxaca.
About this destilado de agave
NETA Pulquero from Primitivo Vásquez was produced maguey Pulquero (Agave americana) in Logoche, Miahuatlan, Oaxaca. This is what NETA had to say about this batch:
The different species of pulque producing agave endemic to much of the Americas, and in Mexico in particular, have played a tremendously vital role in helping sustain and nurture its lands, peoples, and cultures for thousands of years. Prior to the introduction of plastics and industrialized beverages in the mid 20th century, the various species of pulque producing agaves were considered some of the most prized plants in all of Mexico, celebrated for their practical and ceremonial functions. These domesticated agaves were depicted in ancient codices and associated with particular deities, notable the Aztec goddess, Mayahuel. Essentially every part of the plant and properties can be utilized for one purpose or another. The flowers can be eaten, the stock of the agave can serve for construction and roofing materials, and its long leaves have been used for millennia for rope, cloth, paper production, and for gastronomic purposes. The nectar, known as aguamiel, that is harvested from the heart of the plant is consumed fresh and enjoyed for its prebiotic and vitamin-rich benefits; once fermented, becomes pulque – a remarkably health drink, and the oldest alcoholic beverage in the Americas.
These Pulquero magueyes began to be distilled during the colonial period, and are still common in mezcal production in various Mexican states. Despite their potential to yield liters of agualmiel every day for a period of months, the plants are actually very low in convertible sugars, and as such, are very low yielding when distilled. In Oaxaca, however, with its historical abundance and diversity of sugar-rich agaves, its use in mezcal is somewhat of a rarity. Throughout Mexico, there are more than six distinct species and numerous varieties of agaves that are cultivated for pulque production. In the distilling regions of Miahuatlán, Oaxaca, the Agave americana species is most prevalent of the various Pulquero agaves – of which there exists a handful of different varieties, or genotypes. They are all large in size, but their color, leaf, and spines can vary. Given the urban migration trends and general decline in pulque consumption over the last number of decades, many families have stopped growing these agaves. However, as mezcaleros throughout the region of Miahuatlán have started to include these agaves into their repertoire, many have started to propagate these varieties from seed stock and rhizome clones, which typically take 12-15 years to mature. While the aromas and flavors are quite captivating, the plant ́s rarity, size and low-yielding nature present an obvious barrier to popular use.
Primitivo made this small batch alongside his brother, Simitrio, who sourced the maguey through friends in a neighboring community. The nine piñas of the “Penca Larga” type they harvested is perhaps the most common of the local Pulqueros, and can grow to weigh well beyond 300kg. In their case, they had to make three trips with the truck to move the nine piñas back to the palenque and continue their work. Amassing around 1500kg of mesquite-cooked agave, the two brothers filled two Montezuma cypress wood fermentation vats after macerating the agaves with machetes and a mechanical shredder. After a 48-hour dry fermentation period, around 600L of well water was added to each vat, mixed around, and let to sit for an additional 12 days. Distilled in copper pots over low heat, the two collected a total of 100L after a careful composition of heads, hearts, and tails.
NETA
NETA is a colloquial word in Mexico that translates to “the real deal” or “the truth”. Since 2012, the brand has worked closely with several small, family producers and a cooperative of twelve palenqueros from the southern valleys and hills of Miahuatlán, Oaxaca. The region has preserved its reputation for producing some of the finest mezcales and agave spirits anywhere in Mexico. The team behind NETA presents a carefully curated selection of extraordinary spirits that would otherwise never be found outside of its place of origin.
A note about NETA labels: The total bottle count written on the front label might be less than the total batch size. Batches may be split between Mexico, Europe, and the US; the handwritten bottle count represents the number of bottles imported into a particular country.
Learn more about NETA:
- NETA – Spirit Distilled from Agave on the K&L Wines Spirits Journal blog
- NETA is finally here on Mezcalistas
Review this bottle
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bluImbibe
40 reviewsNETA Pulquero Primitivo Vasquez Vasquez
Nose: unripe pear, white and pink flowers, butter, clean mineral,
Palate: mineral, slight vegetal, banana, unripe green apple, soft cheese, baking spice? I’m thinking cinnamon and clove
It’s been a little while since I first wrote the review, I’ve been letting it open up and I think this about as far as it’s gonna develop.
Overall it’s incredibly soft and delicate, both on palate and on the nose. Very bright and floral with a small touch of sweetness. Not bad I just wish it was a little more expressive. If you’re able to catch this in the wild definitely give it a shot
NETA Pulquero Primitivo Vasquez Vasquez
Nose: unripe pear, white and pink flowers, butter, clean mineral,
Palate: mineral, slight vegetal, banana, unripe green apple, soft cheese, baking spice? I’m thinking cinnamon and clove
It’s been a little while since I first wrote the review, I’ve been letting it open up and I think this about as far as it’s gonna develop.
Overall it’s incredibly soft and delicate, both on palate and on the nose. Very bright and floral with a