“Mezcal stands out as a distinctly versatile spirit,” explains Martinez. “IZO’s clean, smooth agave flavor blends seamlessly into mixed cocktails and goes does smooth in a shot glass, but its complex flavor is best savored by the sip. This is not true of all Mezcal, because the taste, texture, and profile of each are very different depending on the agave used and the exact process by which it is made.”
Enjoyed for centuries throughout Mexico, it was not until 1994 that the Mexican government officially applied the name “Mezcal” to the agave spirits made in nine specific Mexican states, including Martinez’s home city of Durango. Today, any agave spirit originating outside of these designated states cannot be called Mezcal. There are approximately 40 varieties of agave used to make Mezcal. Every Mezcal is different, depending on factors such as the type of agave used, the amount of time it is aged, how it is cooked and fermented, the addition of other ingredients, and whether or not it is filtered after distillation. Mezcal itself can offer a spectrum of flavors and finishes, from sweet and fruity to earthy and spicy. Some are very biting or harsh, while others are smooth and rich.
Every batch of IZO Mezcal Joven features hand-harvested wild Cenizo agave hearts slow-roasted with smoldering oak in lava-lined fire pits. Covered with a tarp and dirt, the hearts are left to bake for several days before being extracted and fine-ground to separate the juice from fibrous material. This juice ferments for several days before two rounds of distillation - the first producing a product known as “aguavino;” the second, Mezcal. Filtered twice to remove impurities, the resulting artisanal IZO Mezcal Joven is locally-crafted from start to finish. Its earthy, subtly smoky flavor and clean finish complement rich, hearty pasta dishes, pair perfectly with a zesty ceviche and can be enjoyed by the sip with an orange slice garnish.
Try IZO Mezcal Joven in a delightfully tart Margarizo using:
2 oz IZO Mezcal Joven
1 lime
½ oz Triple Sec
Simply cut the lime in half, reserving a slice for garnish. Salt the rim of a small glass filled with ice. Place additional ice into a shaker, then fill it with the fresh-squeezed lime juice, Mezcal, and Triple Sec. Shake and strain the liquid into the glass. Add the lime slice garnish and enjoy.
Explore a selection of cocktail recipes featuring pure-distilled IZO Mezcal Joven at IZOMezcal.com, along with the storied history of traditional Mexican agave spirits. Discover a full collection of IZO agave spirits - including Mezcal Joven, Mezcal Ensamble, Mezcal Reposado, Mezcal Añejo, Sotol, and Tequila Extra Añejo Cristalino - at select Costco stores and online.
About IZO Agave Spirits:
Founded by Gaston Martinez - a native of Durango, Mexico - IZO is a collection of premium, handcrafted agave spirits produced sustainably right in the heart of his rural hometown according to centuries of tradition. Made sustainably from slow-roasted, wild agave hearts harvested on local ranches, every sip of award-winning IZO Mezcal speaks to generations of Mezcaleros bringing people together around shared values of community, celebration, and savoring the reward of a job well done. Every aspect of IZO pays respect to its point of origin, from the locally-sourced Onyx featured atop the bottle to the elegant, minimalist label and bottle design that allows the flavorful spirit within to shine. The pure, sophisticated taste of IZO Mezcal tells the story of centuries’ old Mexican tradition and of one man’s vision to share it with the world. Learn more about the IZO collection of handcrafted agave spirits at IzoMezcal.com.
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