Cutwater Joven Mezcal
45% ABV (90 proof) | 750mL | Wild Maguey Cenizo | Unaged — Cutwater Joven Mezcal is made from wild Maguey Cenizo (Agave durangensis) harvested after 10–15 years in Durango, Mexico, in collaboration with the LTG Distillery: the agaves are roasted 3–5 days in traditional volcanic rock-lined pit ovens fueled by oak and mesquite, open-fermented with wild yeasts, and double distilled in stainless and copper stills. Bottled unaged (joven) so the wild agave and the smoke of the pit come through clean. Best of Show, Denver International Spirits Competition (2021 release). Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
This is not an espadin mezcal and not a tequila — Cenizo is its own agave with its own voice: hints of smoke from the cooking process woven through deep agave flavor, green pepper notes, and a finish of sweet cooked agave with lingering subtle smoke. Among mezcals, the Cutwater Joven is the San Diego distillery's love letter to Durango — a wild-agave spirit with real regional character at an honest 90 proof.
Tasting notes
Nose: smoke from the pit roast, deep agave. Palate: green pepper, sweet cooked agave. Finish: lingering subtle smoke. (Per brand/launch notes.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 45% ABV (90 proof) — 750mL
- Wild Maguey Cenizo (Agave durangensis), harvested at 10–15 years
- Durango, Mexico; made with LTG Distillery
- Volcanic pit roast, open fermentation, double distilled; unaged
- Best of Show, Denver International Spirits Competition
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat in a copita, or in a mezcal margarita where the smoke can stand up to the lime.
Frequently asked questions
What agave is it made from?
Wild Maguey Cenizo (Agave durangensis) from Durango — not espadin and not blue Weber agave.
Is it the same as Cutwater's tequila?
No — Cutwater's tequila is 100% Blue Weber agave from Jalisco; the mezcals are wild Cenizo from Durango. Different agave, different state, different spirit.
What does Joven mean?
Unaged — bottled without time in oak, like a blanco tequila.
Where is it made?
Durango, Mexico, in collaboration with the LTG Distillery (NOM unverified).