Tres Papalote Mexicano Mezcal
Tres Papalote Mexicano Mezcal is a 90-proof (45% ABV) 750mL artisanal joven mezcal built around wild Maguey Mexicano — 70% Mexicano (Agave rhodacantha, the Zapotec "dobadaan") blended with 30% Maguey Espadín, cooked, ground, and distilled together. From importer Riviera Imports in collaboration with Cheech Marin — whose Chicano art collection inspires the bottle artwork — it is earth-pit baked with ocote and mesquite wood and stone-wheel crushed in the Oaxacan tradition. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: joven (unaged)
- Agave: 70% wild Mexicano (Agave rhodacantha) + 30% Espadín
- Production: earth-pit baking, stone-wheel crushing, maestro mezcalero distillation
- Origin: Oaxaca (Mexicano agave also sourced in Puebla), Mexico
Wild Mexicano, Cheech's Canvas
Tres Papalote is a collaboration between Manhasset's Riviera Imports and Cheech Marin — partner and chief ambassador — with each label drawn from his celebrated Chicano art collection. The Mexicano expression leads with the wild agave: rarer and more fibrous than espadín, it brings wilder, more vegetal depth, with the 30% espadín keeping it grounded. Retailers claiming "100% wild Mexicano" are contradicted by the brand's own 70/30 blend copy — this draft prints the blend. Explore the Tres Papalote collection and more mezcals at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Expect earthy smoke from the pit baking, wild-agave vegetal depth, and roasted sweetness, with the espadín component adding structure and a long, warm finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a copita with orange slices and sal de gusano; it stands up to a mezcal Negroni for smoke-curious cocktail drinkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tres Papalote Mexicano 100% Mexicano agave?
No — per the brand's own copy it is 70% wild Maguey Mexicano (Agave rhodacantha) blended with 30% Maguey Espadín, cooked and distilled together.
What proof is it?
90 proof (45% ABV).
Who makes Tres Papalote?
It is a collaboration between importer Riviera Imports and Cheech Marin, who serves as partner and chief ambassador; the bottle art comes from his Chicano art collection.
Wild agave, art-world pedigree — order Tres Papalote Mexicano Mezcal online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.