Agave Spirits Only Available at Astor
Cazcanes Astor Select Single Barrel D18 Anejo Tequila $179.96
Chosen for its more traditional artisan approach to production, this single barrel was made using time-honored methods only: fully mature hand harvested agaves, slow stone oven cooking, open air fermentation, and extra long maturation (18 months in this case) in medium charred American Oak. As a counterpoint to the A3 barrel in this series of Astor Selects, this tequila has picked up a palpable decadence in profile showing how each difference in production method has a huge impact on what you can taste in your glass. More expressively aromatic with the rich agave notes of ripe banana, raw honey, passion fruit, sweet almond, and spice cake dovetailing perfectly with the richer vanilla, caramel, and coconut notes from the extended time in oak. Only 107 bottles were made.
Mezcasiarca Astor Select Tobala Mezcal – 2022 $199.96
Best batch of Tobala we have tasted all year? Yes, absolutely. Best we’ve ever had in our lives? Honestly, yes we think so too. The beloved floral notes this variety is known for are front and center along with a deep minerality, but the seamless, oily palate is what will blow you away. Notes of summer melons, kiwi, mango, and wild strawberry slowly unfold and are followed by a slow simmering spice and mouth-watering finish. This is the first ever batch of Tobala bottled exclusively for the States and we are honored to have it be an Astor Select exclusive. Only 89 bottles were made.
Mezcasiarca Astor Select Jabalin Mezcal – 2022 $199.96
Often overlooked but among the signature maguey of Sandra Ortíz Brena’s collection, Jabalin is a locally named subvarietal of Agave convallis, often referred to as Jabalí. Produced at Sandra’s own palenque in rural Yeguesia, this batch was made collaboratively by a revolving cast of mezcaleros and colleagues, referred to as the “In Sítu Team.” It has not been proofed or adjusted using spirit or water, but rather is a pure cut at full strength from the heart of the run. Seductively aromatic on the nose and lithe on the palate with notes of yellow apples, manuka honey, coconut water, persimmons and white tea. 53 bottles.
Macurichos Astor Select Madrecuish Mezcal – 2018 $224.99
A rare release direct from the family’s private cellar in Oaxaca, we hand selected this with Maestro Mezcalero Gonzalo Martinez after tasting this single batch, single vintage, unblended mezcal out of glass demijohn together. Rested for 6 years, the components of the mezcal are in full harmony but the flavors remain explosive, especially at this natural strength of 62% ABV. Clean, pure, and expressive, the texture is supple and the spirit pliable on the palate with notes of ultra ripe apricots, apples, and citrus balanced by a sharp streak of sweet herbs. An unearthed treasure available in very limited quantities.
Real Minero Astor Select Arroqueño/Espadín/Mexicanito/Marteño Mezcal – 2023 $249.96
On one hand, Real Minero is one of the most traditional houses of agave producers in the world. On the other, Graciela and family are pioneering the future sustainability of the entire category through numerous projects, mezcal production being only one of them. This batch of extremely special mezcal illustrates all of the points in one bottle. Savory and mysterious on the nose then sweet, honeyed and completely seamless on the palate. Bottled at a natural still strength, this is about as pure and authentic of a drink you could ever have. Like all great things it comes in micro quantities. Only 35 bottles were made from this batch.