In Mexico, the saying goes “for everything good, Mezcal – for everything bad, Mezcal,” and IZO Agave Spirits brings a distinctive approach to producing a pure, all-natural Mezcal Joven perfect for all occasions. Founded by Gaston Martinez – a native of Mexico – IZO offers a collection of premium agave spirits sustainably handcrafted from start to finish at its Mexican point of origin for a smooth, award-winning flavor. Now, IZO shares how to enjoy a clean, all-natural Mezcal Joven (or “oven-cooked agave”) that speaks to a deeply-rooted heritage of the community, hard work, and the celebration of everyday moments.
“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,
–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.
Izo Mezcal bottle!
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. It’s 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!
Ingredients:
2 oz IZO Mezcal Joven
1 lime
½ oz Triple Sec
Method:
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.
Here’s another cocktail that’s sure to catch’ Dad’s eye if you give him Izo Mezcal for Father’s Day!
Bittersweet Truth
Sip on a favorite like the Negroni, but with an extra kick using tequila instead of gin.
Ingredients:
1 part Izo Mezcal
¾ part Cynar
½ part Punt e Mes
½ part Carpano Antica
Chocolate Bitters
Method:
Stir all ingredients and serve up with an orange twist.
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.
IZO Mezcal Reposado
IZO Mezcal Reposado is crafted from wild agave hearts traditionally slow-roasted over volcanic rock and offers a velvety, subtly smoky flavor perfect for sipping. Aged at least two months in American Oak barrels, each batch carries a soft, seductive aroma of banana and green apples set against hints of warm vanilla and rich walnut.
IZO Mezcal Añejo
IZO Mezcal Añejo also begins with the lightly crisp flavor of all-natural wild agave. After slow-roasting, each batch is aged at least 12 months in American Oak barrels for a rich depth of smoky flavor that warms the soul.
IZO Mezcal Ensamble
IZO Mezcal Ensamble artfully blends distilled Cenizo and Lamparillo agave – each wild-grown and native to high-altitude areas of Durango, Mexico – for an earthy, full-bodied flavor with a delightfully fruity finish.
IZO Sotol
IZO Sotol is distilled from the slow-roasted Mexican “Desert Spoon” plant. Maturing over 15 years and yielding only one bottle per plant, the distilled Sotol carries hints of the lightly sweet piñas (or “hearts”) from which it is sourced.
IZO 100% Agave Tequila Extra Cristalino Añejo
IZO 100% Agave Tequila Extra Cristalino Añejo features the distinctive taste of Blue Agave native to the Mexican state of Jalisco. Aged for 3 years in wooden barrels for a complexity of flavor, the spirit is then charcoal filtered to produce a bright, blanco finish.
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.
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
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