El Chapu Linero Cuishe Mezcal
El Chapu Linero Cuishe Mezcal is a 48% ABV (96 proof) unaged wild-agave mezcal in a 750mL bottle — 100% wild Cuishe agave from the hills of Oaxaca, Mexico, traditionally pit-roasted and double-distilled in copper stills, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 48% (96 proof) — one retailer lists 47.0% ABV; bottle read to confirm
- Size: 750mL
- Age: joven (unaged)
- Agave: 100% wild Cuishe (Agave karwinskii) — wild agave of the Oaxacan hills
- Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico (state-level from retailer sources; town/palenque unverified)
- Production: roasted in an underground pit oven, crushed with a horse-drawn tahona, double-distilled in copper stills (retailer/distributor copy — confirm on bottle label)
Cuishe: Earth, Smoke, and Citrus
Cuishe (Agave karwinskii) is the wild agave of Oaxaca's dry hills — tall, spare, and slow-growing — and it makes a mezcal that leans into earth and smoke with an unexpected citrus lift. El Chapu Linero's take is a classic traditional production: pit-oven roast, horse-drawn tahona crush, double distillation in copper, bottled joven at 96 proof. Browse our mezcal shelf, see the whole El Chapu Linero wild-agave range, or compare the Dos Hombres wild-agave lineup.
Tasting Notes
Published notes describe a complex, smoky profile: smoky agave aromas layered with fresh citrus and black pepper; an earthy, smoky palate of roasted agave, citrus zest, and peppery spice with a hint of sweetness; and a clean, smooth finish of lingering earthy smoke and gentle spice.
How to Enjoy
Neat is the move — the citrus-and-smoke interplay shows best unmixed. It also makes a standout smoky mezcal margarita for those who like their cocktails bold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuishe agave?
Cuishe (Agave karwinskii) is a wild agave that grows in the hills of Oaxaca, Mexico — one of the karwinskii family prized for earthy, complex mezcals.
What proof is El Chapu Linero Cuishe?
The bottle is 96 proof (48% ABV) per the majority of listings including our own current product description; a single retailer lists 47.0% ABV, so a bottle read will settle the last word.
What foods pair with Cuishe mezcal?
Its earthy smoke and citrus lift pair naturally with grilled meats, spicy Mexican dishes, and aged cheese — or simply an orange slice and sal de gusano.
Earthy, smoky, and built for sipping — order El Chapu Linero Cuishe Mezcal online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.