Codigo 1530 Artesanal Mezcal

Codigo 1530 Artesanal Mezcal

This is the one that did it for me. It finally convinced me that I could actually love a smoked spirit. I dislike peated scotches. Largely most mezcals that I have tried taste fine, none of them really get my taste buds dancing. Most of them are plane awful. But then there is this…

As with most tequilas, this spirit starts from a crop of 100% agave plants. But where tequila only uses blue weber from the Jalisco region, this bottle sources a number of different strains from three different regions of Mexico. Those plants are harvested, their leaves shaved off, and the cores are shipped to the distillery for processing.

Once at the distillery, the agave cores are cooked (most likely in masonry ovens) to convert the starchy fibers into sugary liquid. After a period of time, those cores are removed from the oven and crushed using a traditional donkey-pulled stone roller to release the liquid inside. That liquid is then allowed to ferment naturally using the ambient yeast in the distillery and included with the liquid are some fibers from the agave plants to impart some extra flavor. The mildly alcoholic liquid is then distilled in a copper still to produce the raw spirit.

For this mezcal, the spirit is then rested in former sauvignon blanc wine barrels for a short period of time to absorb some of those flavors and mellow out the tones of the spirit before being proofed down and bottled for shipment.

• Name: Codigo 1530 Artesanal Mezcal
• Country of Origin/Locale: Jalisco, Mexico
• Proof: 80.0
• Glass: Glencairn or Double Old Fashioned
• Temperature: Room or slightly Chilled
• Cocktail Options: Oodles – See recipe for a Mezcal Old Fashioned below
• Available: JJ’s Bar, yes. Retail, yes.
• Price: List Price – $79.99 JJ’s VIP Price – $63.99

Tom’s Tasting Notes: I don’t know if it’s the sauvignon blanc barrel finish, or the process used by Codigo to make this spirit, but on the nose you will largely find the familiar smoky, peppery aromas typically associated with mezcal. But now taste it. The palate sensation of the spirit is somewhat mind-blowing in context with other mezcals. Sweet honey combines with some citrus to make the smoky and peppery aromas join in harmony.

JJ’s Mezcal Old Fashioned

• 2oz Codigo 1530 Artesanal Mezcal
• 2 Tsp Demerara Simple Syrup (Easy to make – 2 parts sugar – 1 part water – Cook until clear, or just before boiling – Let cool before using)
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters or Chocolate Bitters

Mix all ingredients in your double old fashioned glass. Add Ice and stir. Garnish with an orange peel.