Above a certain level, premium spirits are about the feeling it provides the imbiber as much as it is the actual quality of the liquid. We're very fortunate right now to live in a time with plenty of options when it comes to high-quality agave spirits and it is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to try something new. I guess what impresses me the most is that while many of these distillers are "new" to the American market, the reality is that folks like Maestro Mezcalero Juan Antonio Coronel from Tres Tribus is actually part a legacy going back hundreds of years.
It's not just the heritage that draws on generations of experience but today's mezcalaros are poised at a very exciting time as they bridge the gap between science and ancestral traditions. For instance, while the maguey Espandin used in Tres Tribus comes from his family land in San Francisco Nuxaño, he himself is a chemical engineer who now brings the best of both worlds to produce this mezcal.
From a branding perspective, Tres Tribus appeals to be because like one of our other favorites (Bosscal) it evokes the history and heritage of indigenous culture. While there's nothing wrong with simply enjoying the mezcal in a nice smokey margarita or neat with maybe a thin slide of orange to enhance the flavors. However, for mezcal connoisseurs like myself who are also passionate cultural explorers, the opportunity also provides a chance to relax and think about the culture who's traditions led to this moment.
In the case of Tres Tribus, that is the story of the three societies that came together to create the capital of the Zapotec civilization in what is now better known as Oaxaca, one of the most vibrant and exciting foodie destinations in the Americas.
Indeed, the bottles of Tres Tribus Mezcal are adorned with mythological beasts, each symbolizing elements of Mesoamerican mythology: Acoatl, the snake, bridges the realm of the living and the dead and is represented in Tres Tribus Espadín Capón Mezcal; Balam, the jaguar, a ruler of the underworld Xibalba, appears on Tres Tribus Tobalá Mezcal; Xaxaca, the owl, serves as the underworld's messenger in Tres Tribus Cuishe Mezcal; Cuacuahue, the bull, a shapeshifting witch, haunts the night in Tres Tribus Ensamble Mezcal, while the turtle, symbolizing creation, fertility, and an icon of kings and warriors, graces this bottle.
Ultimately, this particular bottle is a great place to start if you are new to Mezcal. It's easily approachable and good quality without a retail price that soars above the point where you feel disappointed if you find that mezcal just isn't your thing. What I love though is that they have a deep portfolio of other varietal expressions as well including Cuishe that we don't see very often, alongside Tobala and Ensamble that features three different agave varietals including 8-year-old Espadín, wild Jabalí averaging 10 to 15 years in age, and the quite rare wild Salmiana, which can range from 15 to as much as 35 years old!
Understandably, those more advanced mezcal expressions are priced above $100 along with some other espandin varitals that the company also produces.
Tasting Notes
The overall tasting experience of Tres Tribus Espadín Mezcal is a delightful balance of herbal, citrus, and smoky flavors, offering a complex yet harmonious profile. The mezcal's smooth integration of earthy, sweet, and floral notes creates a rich, multi-layered journey from the first sip to the final finish.
On the Nose
A blend of green raw agave provides a herbal base, enriched by subtle smokiness, with citrus notes of lemon and orange, complemented by hibiscus, peppermint, spices, and a hint of chocolate.
On the Eye
This mezcal presents a crystal clear and bright appearance with transparent silver hues.
On the Palate
Citrus fruits and spices blend seamlessly with green agave's herbal notes, while caramel, floral hints, and chocolate bring a sweet, delicately smoky finish.
In conclusion, Tres Tribus Espadín Mezcal showcases a masterful blend of flavors and aromas, providing a balanced yet complex tasting experience that highlights both its raw ingredients and refined craftsmanship. This mezcal is perfect for those seeking a rich, layered profile with a subtle smoky edge.
This Is A Mezcal That Implores You To Explore More
As a spirits enthusiast passionate about exploring the world through my bottle collection, Tres Tribus excites me as a sign that we're starting to move beyond just the more approachable espandin mezcals and that brands are producing other expressions designed for the more discerning connoisseur. In parallel though, products like this Mezcal Espadin offer a great product for novices who want the experience of a craft spirit drawing from centuries of refinement.
