Gozona Barril Chino Destilado Mezcal
Gozona Barril Chino Destilado Mezcal is an uncertified destilado de agave from Luis Enrique Juárez of San Agustín Amatengo, Ejutla, Oaxaca, distilled from 100% Barril Chino agave (Agave karwinskii) and bottled at 48% ABV (96 proof) in a 750mL bottle. The agave is roasted in conical earth ovens over mesquite, crushed by ox-drawn tahona, fermented naturally in sabino vats with mountain spring water, and distilled in a copper refrescadera still. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- Style: Destilado de agave (uncertified mezcal), joven
- ABV: 48% (96 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Producer: Luis Enrique Juárez (with Sergio Juárez), Gozona
- Region: San Agustín Amatengo, Ejutla, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Agave: Barril Chino (Agave karwinskii)
Sharing From the Heart
Gozona is the work of maestro Luis Enrique Juárez of San Agustín Amatengo, in the Ejutla district of Oaxaca. A schoolteacher by trade, Luis Enrique is the heir to five generations of master distillers: he learned at the side of his father, Sergio Juárez, and built his own brand — Gozona, a Zapotec word meaning “sharing from the heart.” He is an expert in the copper refrescadera still, a traditional technique original to his town, and every batch follows the same slow arc: agave roasted in conical earth ovens over mesquite wood, crushed by ox-drawn tahona, and fermented naturally in sabino wood vats with mountain spring water. Because the Juárez family bottles outside the mezcal denomination, the label reads “Spirits Distilled from Agave” — a destilado de agave in the oldest Amatengo tradition, imported to the US by PM Spirits.
Tasting Notes
Barril Chino is one of the most characterful of the karwinskii agaves, and this bottling leads with barbecue smoke and a funky, fruity nose. The palate is juicy and tannic, with wave after wave of green pepper over the smoke — soulful, savory and long. Explore more single-agave bottles on our mezcal shelf, or compare it with another karwinskii-family pour in the wider tequila and agave spirits collection.
How to Enjoy
Sip it neat from a jicara or small clay copita, rested ten minutes in the glass. The savory smoke and green pepper make it a natural partner for grilled meats, elotes and mole negro. Browse the full spirits range for more small-batch agave, and compare this Amatengo destilado with the Palenqueros Baltazar Cruz Sierra Negra Mezcal from San Luis Amatlán.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gozona Barril Chino a mezcal?
It is made exactly as mezcal is in Amatengo, but bottled outside the denomination of origin, so it is labeled a destilado de agave — “Spirits Distilled from Agave” — rather than mezcal.
What agave is Barril Chino?
Barril Chino is a variety of Agave karwinskii, the same family as Barril, Tobaziche and Madrecuishe.
What proof is it?
48% ABV, 96 proof, as printed on the label.
Order Gozona Barril Chino Destilado Mezcal online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor while this small batch lasts.