El Pintor Mezcal Ensamble

El Pintor Mezcal Ensamble – Espadin & Wild Cuishe Oaxacan Mezcal

El Pintor Mezcal Ensamble is a rare and exceptional traditional mezcal that brings together two agave varieties not commonly blended due to their distinct regional origins — 55% 8-year-old Espadin from Yautepec and 45% 15-year-old wild Cuisè from Miahuatlán, both in Oaxaca. The result is a mezcal that unites the aromatic profiles of two different terroirs in a single, harmonious expression.

Crafted entirely using traditional artisanal methods — pit-roasted agave, natural fermentation with indigenous wild yeast, tahona milling, and double distillation in handmade copper pot stills — El Pintor Ensamble is a testament to the depth and diversity of Oaxacan mezcal culture.

Production Details

• Agave Blend: 55% Espadin (8 years, Yautepec, Oaxaca) + 45% wild Cuisè (15 years, Miahuatlán, Oaxaca)
• Cooking: Earthen pit roasting for traditional smoky character
• Fermentation: Natural, open-air fermentation using indigenous wild yeast carried by the air into the palenque
• Milling: Tahona stone mill — traditional and labor-intensive
• Distillation: Double-distilled in artisanally made copper pot stills

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Roasted agave, earthy smoke, tropical fruit, wild herbs, and a mineral complexity from the two distinct terroirs
• Palate: Rich and layered with pit-roasted sweetness, wild Cuisè earthiness, Espadin brightness, and a beautifully integrated smoky depth
• Finish: Long, complex, and deeply satisfying with lingering smoke, agave sweetness, and a wild, earthy minerality

Pairing Suggestions

El Pintor Mezcal Ensamble pairs magnificently with grilled meats, mole negro, and aged Oaxacan cheese. Its smoky, earthy complexity also complements dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and charcuterie. Best enjoyed neat in a copita or Glencairn glass at room temperature to fully appreciate its dual-terroir character.

Key Highlights

• ✔ Ensamble — a rare blend of two agave varieties from distinct Oaxacan regions
• ✔ 55% Espadin (8 years, Yautepec) + 45% wild Cuisè (15 years, Miahuatlán)
• ✔ Pit-roasted, tahona-milled, naturally fermented — fully traditional production
• ✔ Double-distilled in handmade copper pot stills
• ✔ From El Pintor — a producer committed to artisanal Oaxacan mezcal tradition
• ✔ Available at Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an Ensamble mezcal?

An Ensamble (or ensemble) mezcal is made from a blend of two or more agave varieties, distilled together to create a more complex flavor profile than a single-agave expression. El Pintor's Ensamble combines Espadin and wild Cuisè — two varieties rarely blended due to their different regional origins.

What is wild Cuisè agave?

Cuisè (also spelled Cuishe) is a wild agave variety found in Oaxaca, known for its long maturation (up to 15+ years) and distinctive earthy, herbal, and mineral character. Wild-harvested Cuisè is increasingly rare and prized by mezcal connoisseurs.

What is a tahona mill?

A tahona is a large stone wheel, traditionally pulled by a horse or mule, used to crush roasted agave piñas. It is one of the most traditional and labor-intensive milling methods in mezcal production, preserving more of the agave's natural fibers and flavor compounds.

Is this mezcal smoky?

Yes — like all traditionally produced mezcals, El Pintor Ensamble has a natural smoky character from the earthen pit roasting of the agave. The smoke is integrated and balanced rather than overwhelming, complementing the wild Cuisè earthiness and Espadin brightness.

Where can I buy El Pintor Mezcal Ensamble?

You can purchase it online through Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping available.