Real Minero "Still Strength" Arroqueño Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca

750ml bottle

52.7% abv

Roasted agave and minerality, jasmine, hint of tropical fruit. Smooth texture, cooked agave sweetness, grapefruit zest, fresh mint and anise with deep, integrated smokiness. Finish is floral, mineral, dry, and long.

Real Minero Arroqueño is a very rare find, as it is only made in extremely small batches.  The maguey Arroqueño (Agave americana) takes an exceptionally long time to mature, which makes the sustainable production of this type of Mezcal a real challenge.  Fortunately, Graciela, who runs Real Minero operations, has a keen eye for sustainability in business.  She is careful to continue her family’s tradition in the most environmental and ethical fashion possible.

• Aroma: It opens with a captivating blend of roasted agave and earthy minerality, intertwined with delicate floral notes of jasmine and a hint of tropical fruit, perhaps ripe pineapple. A subtle whisper of smoke adds intrigue without being overpowering. 
• Palate: The initial sip delivers a velvety smooth texture that coats the palate. The cooked agave sweetness shines through, beautifully balanced by a vibrant citrus zest, reminiscent of grapefruit peel. Layers of herbaceous complexity emerge, with hints of fresh mint and a touch of anise. The signature smokiness is present, adding depth and character without dominating the other nuanced flavors.
• Finish: Long and lingering, the finish leaves a warm embrace of sweet agave and a pleasant mineral dryness. Subtle echoes of smoke and a lingering floral note invite contemplation and another sip. 

Real Minero Arroqueño is more than just a mezcal; it's an experience. It embodies the passion, tradition, and dedication of a family committed to crafting exceptional spirits.

Savor it neat to fully appreciate its intricate flavors, or pair it with rich, flavorful dishes to elevate your culinary experience. This is a mezcal for those who appreciate the artistry and heritage behind every drop.

Real Minero (previously Mezcal Real Minero) is considered by many to be one of the world’s finest mezcal producers. The Angeles family has been making mezcal for several generations in Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca. Their mezcal is made in small clay pot stills, and almost all of it is rested in glass for several months before bottling, giving the mezcal a much softer character. Outside of creating great spirits, they also have one of the largest and most diverse sustainable agave reforestation programs. With the help of the community, they’ve been able to rescue several agave varieties that were previously thought to be extinct. 

In 2020, the brand began dropping the word “mezcal” from their labels. The term “traditional” replaces the CRM “ancestral” designation. Shortly thereafter, the brand officially parted ways with the certification process; all future releases will be labeled as “agave spirits” or something similar. Despite the label changes, nothing significant about their production process has changed over years.