och Arroqueno is made with wild maguey Arroqueno (agave Americana). Typically, this agave can take up to 20 years to mature, before it is pit roasted in a traditional fashion. Given the length of time needed to grow this elegant agave, sustainability of Arroqueno has become a big issue. The Koch Arroqueno is made by Adrian Bautista in Rio de Ejutla, Oaxaca. This mezcal has high fruity notes with hints of earth and herbs, clay and smoke.

Any certified mezcal will state the scientific plant name using the term Agave, while the common name that is used in the community and by the producer is listed as Maguey. For example, Maguey espadin is an Agave angustifolia.

This mezcal offers the perfect balance of flavours from four wild agave distillations: Cirial, Tobalá, Tobasiche and Lumbre. The agave Cirial creates a spiciness and a mineral element, while the Tobalá adds a thick body and sweetness. Lumbre and Tobasiche give depth and herbal characteristics. All the flavours emerge gradually and are easy to isolate and identify. The Mezcal Koch Ensemble offers a unique tasting experience that can easily compete with the best spirits in the world.

Madrecuishe Maguey madrecuishe (madre-cuixe, madrecuixe) is an Agave karwinskii. It grows mostly in dry climates, and typically takes a tall, cylindrical shape. Due to the agave’s dense core and low water content, mezcal made from Maguey madre-cuishe typically has high minerality with vegetal and floral notes.

Maguey mexicano (Agave rhodacantha) is also known as “dobadaan” in some regions, which is its local name in Zapotec. Though exact numbers are unknown, some speculate that there are seven or more sub-varieties of Maguey Mexicano that each produce different characteristics in mezcal. Some of those include Maguey mexicano penca larga, mexicano penca corta, mexicano liso, chontal, and amarillo grande. Many of these sub-varietals are very different looking plants.

Maguey tobasiche (or tobaziche) is an Agave karwinskii. Depending on region, the names tobaziche and largo may be referring to the same plant.

Maguey mexicano (Agave rhodacantha) is also known as “dobadaan” in some regions, which is its local name in Zapotec. Though exact numbers are unknown, some speculate that there are seven or more sub-varieties of Maguey Mexicano that each produce different characteristics in mezcal. Some of those include Maguey mexicano penca larga, mexicano penca corta, mexicano liso, chontal, and amarillo grande. Many of these sub-varietals are very different looking plants.