Ensamble Penca Larga + Tobaziche | January 2022 | Celso García Cruz | ENNCEL2201 | Summer 2022 Release | 60 Bottles

While this particular maguey found in the sierra of Miahutlán known as Penca Larga first arrived in Logoche in 2019 through longstanding magueyero connections, Celso and family first acquired some piñas for their own experimentation in January 2022. Believed to be Furcraea guerrerensis, these are not agave but a distinct genus within the Asparagaceae family.

Having heard of its low yield and bubbly, saponin-rich and Jabalín-like fermentations, the decision was made to temper the Penca Larga with the inclusion of four piñas of Tobaziche, the largest weighing close to 150kg. This unique field blend is a fascinating twist on tradition, involving the very particular and regionally emblematic endemic cultivar from the valley floor and a “new” maguey from higher elevation in the Sierra Madre del Sur. 100% Miahuateco, these extraordinary 70L batch reflect the landscape of the region and craftsmanship of Celso and his son Mario.

  • §  Maguey(es): Penca Larga (Furcraea guerrerensis) + Tobaziche (Agave karwinskii var.)

  • §  Provenance of the maguey: Penca Larga from magueyeros in the Sierra of

    Miahuatlán, Tobaziche from neighboring La Chaga

  • §  Producer: Celso García Cruz and Mario García Jarquin

  • §  Region: Logoche, Miahuatlán, Oaxaca

  • §  Soil type: red earth tierra colorada

  • §  Rest time after harvest: eight days

  • §  Oven: Conical earthen pit; eight days with mesquite wood

  • §  Rest time after oven: six days

  • §  Maceration: Machete and shredder

  • §  Fermentation: Native yeasts, 1050kg of fibers split between two 1200L capacity

    Montezuma cypress sabino wood tanks

  • §  Dry fermentation time: 48 hours

  • §  Wet fermentation time: eight days

  • §  Distillation: 2x in copper pot stills

  • §  Final composition: Heads, hearts, and tails

  • §  Batch size: 70L

  • §  Date of distillation: January 2021

  • §  ABV: 51.5%

MARIE NAKAZAWA