The Mezcal Mystique

The Mezcal Mystique

Los Danzantes Destilaría aims to introduce mezcal as something beyond a potent distilled drink, but also a lifestyle built on strong Mexican cultures and values. 

By Rizky Adityo

Often misunderstood as the less popular cousin of tequila, mezcal has gained recognition over the past few years. Originating in Mexico, the distilled alcoholic drink is generally made from different varieties of agave plants. By this definition, tequila is actually a part of the bigger mezcal family. 

There’s an old saying in the country, “Para todo mal, mezcal, y para todo bien, tambien”, which means “For everything bad, mezcal, and for everything good, too”. Out of its elusiveness, one thing is clear, mezcal is more than just a drink – it’s a culture that is deeply rooted in Mexico’s traditions. And that is what Los Danzantes aims to highlight with its brand.

As a group, Los Danzantes comprises several brands with one mission: to revalue and enhance the gastronomic and cultural richness of Mexico. With Los Danzantes Destilaría, the brand does not only want to put mezcal on the international spirit map but also the meticulous labour and artisans behind it – the figurative spirit of the literal spirit, if you will. 

The distillery runs on important core values: recognition of the product origins, and commitment to the communities where the brand is based and where materials are sourced – all with clear visions of respecting the environment and promoting the development of art and culture in Mexico. 

The brand’s ideals are complemented by the authenticity of its artisanal process, ensuring diverse, high-quality mezcal products. This process includes: manually harvesting mature maguey (a type of agave plant), cooking the maguey in a cone-shaped wood-fired oven, milling cooked maguey with a stone mill pulled by a horse or mule, using a natural and spontaneous fermentation process in wooden tanks, using double discontinuous distillation in a copper still, and ageing in wooden barrels made from white French and American oak. 

With a total of three original variants and two additional specials, Los Danzantes Mezcal Joven has received outstanding accolades, such as a bronze medal from San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007, a gold medal from Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2016, and recognition from Craft Spirits Awards Destille Berlin 2017. 

All the hard work and love poured into the mezcals has paid off. Los Danzates Mezcals gained not only recognition from the professionals, but also quite a following from spirit enthusiasts. Generally offering deep and smooth flavours, these mezcals are must-haves to guarantee good times – be it rowdy, or substantial moments in life. Los Danzantes is available in Indonesia and imported exclusively by Pantja Artha Niaga.

TASTING NOTES

AÑEJO

ABV: 46%

Colour: Crystal-clear amber

Aroma: Light notes of soil, smoke, ripe fruit and caramel.

Palate: Strong and sophisticated flavours of vanilla, wood and cinnamon, topped off with a touch of redwood.

REPOSADO

ABV: 43%

Colour: Mahogany

Aroma: Smoky with earthy accents, notes of vanilla and maple syrup.

Palate: Well rounded, elegant on the palate, with a prolonged aftertaste of coconut, vanilla, wood and damp wood.

JOVEN

ABV: 47%

Colour: Transparent

Aroma: The well-balanced aromas of roasted maguey enhanced by green herbs and sharp freshness. 

Palate: The strong lingering notes of roasted agave and green herbs are complemented with light, refined flavours of fresh fruit, and wrapped with a persistent wood and smoky long aftertaste.

 

Mezcal Los Danzantes Destilaría 

(mezcallosdanzantes.com)