El Jolgorio Sierrudo Mezcal
El Jolgorio Sierrudo Mezcal is a Special Release from one of mezcal's most legendary names: wild Agave americana, harvested at 13 years and distilled by Don José Cortés in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca — around 100 proof in this 750mL bottle — and it is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
Sierrudo is a sub-variety of Agave americana — kin to arroqueño and coyote — and it grows enormous: a single piña can weigh 230 kg after 13–15 years in the ground, yielding only 20–25 bottles of mezcal. This is the black-bottle Special Release, made by Don José Cortés — the oldest living member of the Cortés family and the inspiration for the entire El Jolgorio range — as he passes his craft to the next generation of mezcaleros.
Tasting notes: roasted agave and smoke over a mineral, earthy core; citrus rind and warm spice through the long finish.
Why buy the Sierrudo? Because wild agaves this old and this scarce rarely make it into a bottle — and when they do, it's through a master like Cortés. Sip it next to other wild-agave pours in the mezcal collection, explore the El Jolgorio brand collection, and browse all tequila & mezcal.
Serving note: neat in a copita at room temperature — wild mezcal this rare deserves nothing between you and the glass.
What agave is Sierrudo? A sub-variety of Agave americana, related to arroqueño and coyote, maturing 13–15 years.
Who makes it? Legendary mezcalero Don José Cortés in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca.
What proof is it? Around 100 proof (approximately 50% ABV) — ABV varies slightly by edition.
Why is it a Special Release? Tiny batches from scarce wild agave — these sell out and don't come back.