PRIMARY FLAVOURS

• Smoke
• Lemon
• Ginger
• Agave
• Mineral

Story

Some distilleries chase trends. Los Danzantes? They were serving up mezcal and mole when everyone else still thought "authentic Mexican" meant extra guac. Born out of a group of restaurateurs who knew how to pair spirits with food before it became popular, Los Danzantes built their own distillery in 1997 in Santiago Matatlán - mezcal’s spiritual HQ. But they didn’t go industrial; horse-powered tahonas, neighbourhood agave, and zero gimmicks. Their mezcal was originally meant just for their restaurants, but like all good secrets, it didn’t stay in the kitchen for long.

What makes Los Danzantes special is that everything they do is driven by flavour, sustainability, and serious craft. They’ve got a biochemist running the show (Karina Abad Rojas, absolute legend), a distillery that still refuses to automate bottling because the locals do it better, and an agave project in collaboration with universities. It’s tradition, with spreadsheets and good ethics. And yes, they have a literal horse named Sansón on staff. This is mezcal made by people who care deeply about every detail - it’s what happens when a chemist, a poet, and a mezcalero walk into a bar.

The Encantado Mezcal Artesanal is a joven Espadín that doesn’t kick in the saloon doors, but slides in like the friend who brought homemade ceviche to the beach party. Think mineral, citrus, and a whisper of ginger - more fresh agave garden than bonfire. It’s crafted traditionally (pit-roasted, pine-fermented, copper-distilled). Sip it neat and you’ll catch that subtle herbaceous edge; mix it and suddenly you're the bartender your group chat wishes they had. It's a mezcal that plays nice with lime juice, and turns a Paloma into a conversation.

Specs

PAIRING GUIDE

Whether you’re new to mezcal or already deep into the smoky magic, Encantado is the kind of bottle that’ll keep you coming back for more. It’s a natural match for proper Mexican dishes - think mole chicken, pork tacos, or grilled fish with charred lime - but it also vibes perfectly with bold Tex-Mex flavours. Load up a plate with black bean salads, sizzling fajitas, or even a stack of nachos and you’re in for a good time. It also plays surprisingly well with cheese boards. Trust us, it’s a whole mood.

RECIPE MATCHES

• Vegan Mexican Chilli
• Tex Mex Lime and Bean Salad
• Smokey Pork Tacos