Alipus Santa Ana Del Rio Mezcal - 70CL

Alipús is not a single distillery, but an artisanal single-village mezcal brand created in 1999 by Grupo Los Danzantes in Oaxaca, Mexico. It operates as a social project to support rural family-run palenques (distilleries) by helping them with export certification and so on. Everyone pitches in. Alipus fantastic range is made from 100% Agave Espadín (and sometimes blended with wild varieties like Bicuishe).

Here, agaves are wood-roasted in underground conical pits, crushed using stone mills (tahona) or wooden mallets, fermented with native yeasts in open wooden vats, and double-distilled in small copper or clay pot stills. Each bottling highlights the distinct terroir, altitude, soil type, and local family distillation techniques of specific Oaxacan villages like San Andrés, San Baltazar, and Santa Ana del Río.

Alipús Santa Ana del Río Mezcal has an alcohol content of 47.5% ABV available in a 70CL bottle. It offers a soft, clean profile characterized by light fruitiness and subtle, integrated smoke.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Soft and lightly fruity with prominent floral perfume notes, hints of ripe melon, and subtle mineral undertones.
Palate: Clean and gentle on the tongue, revealing delicate fruit flavours like peach and pomelo balanced by a mild, earthy smokiness.
Finish: Clean, refreshing, and slightly mineral with a lingering aromatic crispness.

Estate History and Distilling Methods

Origin: Created as part of an initiative by Destilería Los Danzantes to support and market spirits from small family-run distilleries in rural Oaxaca. Production in Santa Ana del Río has been managed by the Hernández family since 2001.
Agave Cultivation: Made exclusively from Espadín agave cultivated in mountainous, chalky, and very rocky soils at altitudes between 1,350 and 1,500 metres above sea level.
Production Process: Agave hearts are traditionally roasted in underground earth pit ovens, crushed using a stone mill, fermented naturally with wild yeasts in open pine vats, and double-distilled in copper pot stills.

Serving and Cocktail Suggestions

** Neat:** Sip it slowly at room temperature from a copita or small clay cup to fully appreciate the complex floral and mineral profile.
Mezcal Mule: Combine with fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and a lime wheel garnish for a refreshing, spicy long drink.

Oaxacan Old Fashioned: Substitute traditional whiskey with this mezcal, adding a dash of agave syrup and orange bitters.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Appetizers: Toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh guacamole, or lightly spiced plantain crisps.
Mains: Grilled white fish, charred green vegetables, or slow-roasted pork carnitas.
Cheese: Mild, creamy goat's cheese or fresh ricotta drizzled with a touch of honey.