Mezcal has been exploding in popularity in recent years, and among the brands leading the charge is Madre Mezcal. Named the fastest-growing mezcal brand in America last year, Madre’s success comes from the brand’s ability to seamlessly walk the line between producing quality spirits that appeal to the American palate and maintaining mezcal’s cultural authenticity. Madre Mezcal's branding and bottle design is a nod to its artisanal roots. The minimalist label, earthy tones, and organic aesthetics speak to the brand's commitment to authenticity and tradition.

I tried the Madre Ancestral first, actually, and I find it more complex than the Ensamble, though it’s a little better than the Espadin. Its palate delights with an amazing medley of sage, minerals, and a lingering floral aftertaste. Given the 45% ABV, I like its smoothness. This is a must-try if you want greater depth in your mezcal.Each 12oz, 5% ABV can features Madre Espadin mezcal, sparkling water, real fruit, plants, and herbs with no artificial flavors or colors, and includes ingredients known for having functional properties like adaptogenic mushrooms, anti-inflammatory herbs, and anti-fungal cacti. Madre Desert Water is available in four flavors including:

On tasting Madre Mezcal, one is first greeted with the smoky notes characteristic of mezcals. This smokiness soon gives way to the herbaceous and earthy tones of the Cuishe agave. Subtle hints of pepper and the lingering sweetness from the Espadín agave round out the experience. The interplay of these flavours results in a balanced and layered drink that is both refreshing and intricate. Madre is dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in the local Oaxaca community. As such, a portion of Madre’s proceeds is invested into local non-profits Consorcio, Sikanda, and Guirra. All three are female-run and work to provide resources, education, and empowerment for women and underserved children in Oaxaca. It’s a ‘gateway mezcal.’ Creative explorer and co-founder Tony Farfalla didn’t set out to create a mezcal brand. He was documenting shamanism in eastern Mexico when the ancient transcendental spirit of the Oaxacan desert found him. Farfalla teamed up with three other creatives, and after three years of returning to Oaxaca, and working closely with the Garcia Morales family to create a new mezcal in the Zapotec tradition, Mezcal Madre was born. Both the well-loved Madre Espadin and Madre Ensamble exude subtle smoke essence, sweet aroma, vegetal undertones (with sage, minerals, and earth notes), and a lingering floral finish.

Las Pozas” was built by English artist Edwards James between 1949 and 1984 and is near the village of Xilitla, San Luis Potosí, a seven-hour drive north of Mexico City. This garden of otherworldly delights towers 2,000ft above sea level and resembles an ethereal, Escher-worthy collection of arches, pathways, and waterfalls surrounded by dense, ever-encroaching jungle. It’s weird and transportative, ancient, yet modern. The insights I’ve gained aren’t just from books or hearsay; they are the result of hands-on experience, countless tastings, and an enduring passion for these spirits. I find it better than Dos Hombres, which is priced significantly higher while offering a similar flavor profile. The brand was co-founded by a team of industry specialists in 2016 who have built Madre to what it is today. Tony Farfalla, an adventurer and artist who was on a persistent search for fantastic agave spirits, brought childhood friend, photographer, and brands specialist Stefan Wigand with him on a trip to Oaxaca to learn more about mezcal. When the pair collided with sustainable business entrepreneur Davide Berruto and brand consultant Chris Stephenson, the rest was history. There’s nothing fancy or unique about this mezcal [ 2], but it delivers a good drinking experience for a reasonable price point. Yay Or Nay?