Mezonte Michoacan Jorge Perez Agave Spirit – 50.2% ABV | 750ml

Mezonte Michoacán Jorge Pérez is a traditional agave spirit produced by maestro mezcalero Jorge Pérez in Río de Parras, Michoacán. Made from maguey Alto (Agave inaequidens), this distinctive spirit reflects the traditional production methods and terroir of Michoacán. Jorge Pérez is known for his highly individual approach to agave distillation and is described by Mezonte as an “alchemist” for his exploration of traditional agave spirits.

At 50.2% ABV, this is a robust, high-proof expression with the character of Alto agave at its center. The production combines underground stone-oven cooking, hand milling, natural spring water, fermentation with pulque, and traditional Filipino-style distillation using copper and oyamel components.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Traditional Agave Spirit / Mezcal-Style Agave Distillate

Producer: Jorge Pérez

Brand: Mezonte

Origin: Río de Parras, Michoacán, Mexico

Agave: Alto (Agave inaequidens)

Alcohol Content: 50.2% ABV

Bottle Size: 750ml

Production Style: Traditional, small-batch agave distillation

Distillation: Filipino-style still with copper cazo and oyamel montera

Fermentation: Masonry fermentation tanks with pulque used to initiate fermentation

Process & Production

Jorge Pérez works exclusively with maguey Alto, also known botanically as Agave inaequidens. Mezonte notes that Alto produces considerably less mezcal than many other agaves, with approximately 30–40 liters of spirit produced from a ton of maguey.

The agave is cooked for approximately three days in an underground stone oven using oak wood. After cooking, the agave is crushed by hand with a wooden mallet in eucalyptus-wood canoes. Fermentation takes place for approximately 10 days in masonry tanks using spring water, with pulque used to begin the fermentation.

The spirit is traditionally distilled using a Filipino-style system featuring internal condensation, a copper cazo, and an oyamel-wood montera. Alcohol strength is adjusted using the traditional cuts of the distillation, including the heads and body.

Appearance

Clear and bright in the glass, with the natural clarity expected from an unaged traditional agave spirit.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Roasted agave, earthy aromas, fresh herbs, and subtle wood and mineral characteristics.

Palate: Rich roasted agave character with herbal and earthy tones, balanced by a gentle sweetness. The traditional fermentation and Alto agave contribute a distinctive depth and savory character.

Finish: Long and warming with fresh, slightly herbal notes and lingering roasted agave.

A tasting note from Enmezcalarte describes the Michoacán expression as showing hay and leather aromas, with fresh, lightly herbal and lactic flavors accompanied by rounded acidity, sweetness, and a fresh finish.

What Makes It Special

• Made with Alto (Agave inaequidens), a distinctive Michoacán agave variety.

• Produced by Jorge Pérez, one of Mezonte's featured traditional agave producers.

• Agave is cooked underground for approximately three days.

• Fermentation is initiated with pulque, adding another layer of traditional character.

• Distilled in a traditional Filipino-style still using copper and oyamel.

• High-proof at 50.2% ABV, making it an expressive sipping spirit.

• Mezonte supports and promotes traditional agave distillation and the producers who preserve these practices.

How to Enjoy

Mezonte Michoacán Jorge Pérez is best enjoyed neat at room temperature to appreciate the complexity of the Alto agave and traditional production. A few drops of water can also help open the aromas and soften the intensity of the 50.2% ABV.

For a traditional tasting experience, serve in a copita or small tasting glass alongside food. Its earthy, herbal, roasted-agave character also makes it an interesting base for cocktails where the agave spirit is intended to remain the centerpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of agave is used in Mezonte Michoacán Jorge Pérez?
It is made from Alto, botanically known as Agave inaequidens.

Where is Mezonte Michoacán Jorge Pérez produced?
The spirit is produced by Jorge Pérez in Río de Parras, Michoacán, Mexico.

How is the agave cooked?
The agave is cooked for approximately three days in an underground stone oven using oak wood.

How is it fermented?
Fermentation takes place in masonry tanks for approximately 10 days, using spring water and pulque to initiate fermentation.

How is it distilled?
Jorge Pérez uses a traditional Filipino-style distillation system with a copper cazo and oyamel montera.

What is the alcohol content?
This bottle is 50.2% ABV.

Is Mezonte Michoacán Jorge Pérez aged?
This is a clear, traditional agave spirit rather than an oak-aged expression, allowing the character of the Alto agave and traditional production methods to remain prominent.

Brand Story

Mezonte is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, promoting, and preserving the traditional production and cultural practices surrounding agave spirits in Mexico. The organization works with producers throughout Mexico, with a particular emphasis on Jalisco and Michoacán.

Jorge Pérez is one of Mezonte's featured producers and works from Río de Parras, Michoacán, alongside his wife Josefina, who is recognized for her knowledge of local herbal traditions. Mezonte describes Jorge as a producer who enjoys exploring the possibilities of agave distillation while maintaining deeply traditional methods.