Madre 'Ensamble' Espadin - Cuishe Mezcal, Oaxaca, Mexico

Bright and expressive, Madre Espadín – Cuishe blends the earthy elegance of Espadín (Agave angustifolia) with the wild, mineral complexity of Cuishe (Agave karwinskii) in a traditional ensamble style. First released in 2018, this artisanal mezcal is produced by several family-run palenques in Oaxaca—each bringing subtle nuance to the same foundational blend. With a 45 % ABV and a copper-distilled core, this mezcal balances the lush fruitiness of cultivated agave with the wild intrigue of foraged maguey, offering a textured and memorable sipping experience.

Product Details

• ABV: 45 % (90 proof)
• Agave varieties: Espadín (Agave angustifolia) and Cuishe (Agave karwinskii)
• Style: Ensamble
• Region: Oaxaca
• Towns of production: Miahuatlán, San Dionisio Ocotepec, Santiago Matatlán
• Producers: Carlos Mendez Blas, Jose Garcia Morales, among others
• Distillery NOM: NOM-O191X
• COMERCAM Certifications: 0026M0008391A, 0332D0014270A
• Roasting: Traditional underground pit
• Fermentation: Open-air with wild yeast
• Distillation: Double distilled in copper pot stills
• First release year: 2018

Sensory Description
The aroma rises with soft woodsmoke, wild herbs, and roasted agave, layered with notes of pepper, limestone, and citrus peel. On the palate, Madre Espadín – Cuishe unfolds gently, with a roasted vegetal tone that moves into richer flavors of salted caramel, dried oregano, green banana, and smoked peppercorn. Cuishe contributes a vertical minerality and spice, while Espadín rounds the edges with sweet agave warmth. The finish is dry, earthy, and resinous, tapering to faint florals and mesquite ash.

Mezcalero’s Background
Crafted by multiple producing families across Oaxaca, including Carlos Mendez Blas and Jose Garcia Morales, Madre Espadín – Cuishe reflects the artisanal and collaborative spirit of the brand. Produced at NOM-O191X, each small batch uses traditional Zapotec methods—agave roasted in earthen pits, fermented with wild yeast, and twice distilled in copper stills. The resulting mezcal is a representation of both terroir and tradition, showcasing a blend of regional expertise across the valleys and highlands.

Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly chilled (45–50 °F) in a copita or tulip glass to highlight its layered aromatics. Ideal for sipping neat to appreciate its wild-agave nuance, Madre Espadín – Cuishe also lends structure and depth to mezcal-forward cocktails like a Mezcal Negroni or Oaxaca Old Fashioned. It pairs naturally with grilled duck, roasted poblano, mole negro, or mezze-style dishes that echo its savory, herbal complexity.