Mal Bien Zacate Limon Morales

Mal Bien Zacate Limón Morales is a distinctive, lemongrass‑infused mezcal originally created by the late maestro mezcalero Lucio Morales López of San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca, and now produced by his son Óscar Morales. It stands apart within the Mal Bien lineup because it blends traditional mezcal production with a hierba santa / lemongrass‑style infusion, resulting in a bright, aromatic, citrus‑herbal profile unlike any other bottling in the brand’s portfolio.

Identity & Origin

This expression is rooted in a family recipe passed down from Lucio Morales López, a respected mezcalero known for his clean, expressive distillations. The Morales family continues to produce this mezcal using:

• Traditional pit‑oven roasting
• Natural fermentation
• Copper‑still distillation
• Fresh lemongrass added before the second distillation
• Additional maceration of lemongrass in the finished spirit for enhanced aromatics and color

This combination of traditional mezcal methods with botanical infusion creates a mezcal that is both authentic and refreshingly modern.

Tasting Profile

Aroma

• Fresh lemongrass
• Citrus peel
• Light herbal sweetness
• Subtle roasted agave undertones

Palate

• Bright, zesty lemongrass
• Clean herbal notes
• Soft vegetal sweetness
• Gentle smoke supporting the citrus‑herbal core

Finish

• Crisp, refreshing, and aromatic
• Lingering citrus and herbal lift
• A touch of earthy agave grounding the brightness

Production Character

The Morales family’s approach gives this mezcal a unique identity:

• Botanical integration: Lemongrass is incorporated during distillation and after, creating layered aromatics.
• Traditional backbone: Despite the infusion, the roasted agave character remains present.
• Clean, bright style: This is one of the most refreshing and approachable mezcal expressions in the Mal Bien catalog.

How to Enjoy It

This mezcal shines in both sipping and cocktail contexts:

• Neat — ideal for appreciating the interplay of citrus, herbs, and smoke
• Highball with soda — amplifies the lemongrass aromatics
• Mezcal & tonic — a natural pairing for its botanical profile
• Citrus‑forward cocktails — works beautifully in a mezcal gimlet, daiquiri riff, or Collins

Its brightness makes it especially appealing for warm‑weather drinking or for guests new to mezcal.

FAQ - Mal Bien Zacate Limon Morales

Is this mezcal additive‑free?
Yes. The only addition is natural lemongrass, incorporated traditionally during distillation and maceration.

Is it still considered mezcal?
Yes. Botanical additions during distillation are allowed in certain traditional contexts and are part of longstanding regional practices.

Is this a limited release?
Production is small and family‑run, with batches varying in size.

How does it compare to other Mal Bien bottlings?
It is the most aromatic and botanical expression in the lineup—less smoky, more citrus‑herbal, and extremely approachable.