Tres Papalote Cupreata Mezcal
Tres Papalote Cupreata Mezcal is a 100% wild Cupreata (Agave cupreata, "maguey papalote") artisanal joven from the mountaintops of Guerrero, Mexico, bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750mL bottle. Wild cupreata takes roughly seven years to mature on the Rio Balsas basin slopes at 1,200–1,800m; it's earthen fire-pit roasted, tahona-crushed, and double-distilled by the maestro mezcalero, additive-free. The brand's original flagship expression — a Cheech Marin × Riviera Imports collaboration — wears the "Koo-Koo Man" label, an illustrated rendering of a glass sculpture from Cheech's Chicano art collection. Reviews describe bold wood smoke, grilled lemon peel, burnt sugar, roasted apple, green banana, and papaya with bittersweet chocolate, peppery spice, and dry-bitter charcoal smoke. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Agave: 100% wild Cupreata (Agave cupreata, "maguey papalote"), ~7-year plants
- Production: Earthen fire-pit roast, tahona crush, double distillation — artisanal, additive-free, unaged
- Origin: Mountaintops of Guerrero, Mexico (1,200–1,800m)
- Brand: Cheech Marin × Riviera Imports (rivieraimports.com/tres-papalote)
The Flagship Wild Agave
Cupreata was the agave Tres Papalote launched with — the wild "maguey papalote" of Guerrero's high country, gathered from mountain slopes and distilled the traditional way. At 92 proof it's the boldest pour in the Tres Papalote line, and the Koo-Koo Man label makes it one of the most recognizable mezcal bottles on the shelf. Browse Tres Papalote and the full mezcal collection.
Tasting Notes
Bold, intense wood smoke, grilled lemon peel, and petrol on the nose; the palate brings burnt sugar, roasted apple, green banana, and papaya, with bittersweet chocolate, intense agave, peppery spice, sharp cheesy funk, and rose petal. Persistent dry-bitter charcoal smoke through the finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a copita — 92-proof wild Cupreata deserves full attention. For cocktails, a little goes a long way in a smoky riff on a Last Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cupreata mezcal?
Cupreata (Agave cupreata, "maguey papalote") is a wild agave from the mountains of Guerrero and Michoacán, known for bold, smoky, funky mezcals.
What does the Koo-Koo Man label mean?
The Tres Papalote Cupreata bottle art is an illustrated rendering of a glass sculpture from Cheech Marin's personal Chicano art collection.
Is Tres Papalote Cupreata aged?
No — it's an unaged artisanal joven, bottled additive-free at 46% ABV.
The wild one — order Tres Papalote Cupreata Mezcal online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.