Mezcal El Jolgorio A. Karwinskii Mezcal, 8th Edition

A profound and expressive single-varietal mezcal that showcases the rare Agave karwinskii with remarkable clarity and depth. The 8th Edition from El Jolgorio is both intensely aromatic and beautifully balanced, offering layers of tropical fruit, smoky earth, and mineral complexity. It stands as a benchmark for artisanal mezcal — refined yet soulful, and deeply reflective of its agave and terroir.

Origins & Craftsmanship

El Jolgorio is a revered Mexican mezcal project created to celebrate and preserve traditional mezcal production from rare and region-specific agave species. The A. karwinskii bottling is made from 100% Agave karwinskii, a wild agave species native to the Sierra Madre region of Oaxaca.

The agaves are harvested by hand at mature age, then slowly roasted in earthen pits with river stones and mesquite wood, capturing nuanced smoke without dominating fruit character. After roasting, the cooked agave is crushed using traditional tahona (stone wheel) or wooden mallets, then fermented naturally with indigenous yeasts in open-air palenques. Distillation is done in small copper pot stills, allowing delicate aromatics and textural nuance to be preserved.

This 8th Edition reflects meticulous craftsmanship: extended fermentation and careful distillation produce a spirit of finesse and aromatic clarity. The result is a mezcal that honors its wild agave heritage while offering layered complexity and refined balance.

Critics Reviews & Scores

Among mezcal experts, bartenders, and spirits critics, El Jolgorio A. karwinskii 8th Edition is widely celebrated for its expressive profile and artisanal pedigree:

• Reviewers consistently place this edition in the upper 90s (90–97 points) on professional tasting scales, highlighting its depth of character, aromatic precision, and harmonious integration of smoke, fruit, and earth.

• Critics commend its vibrant nose and intricate palate, noting that it elevates the concept of mezcales made from rare agave species to a level of contemplative sipping worthy of fine spirits collections.

• Many experts emphasize the balance between delicate floral and fruit notes with underlying mineral and smoke layers — an uncommon trait in mezcales that are either overly smoky or overly vegetal.

Across commentary, the 8th Edition is recognized not just as a standout mezcal within the El Jolgorio lineup, but as one of the most compelling representations of what artisanal, single-species mezcal can achieve.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
A vibrant bouquet of tropical fruit — mango, guava, and pineapple — framed with citrus zest and sweet floral notes. Underlying earthy smoke, wet stone minerality, and hints of mesquite and honey deepen the aromatics without overpowering.

Palate:
Elegant and layered, with ripe fruit and orchard brightness leading into smoky earth, toasted agave, and mineral salinity. Subtle spice — cinnamon and white pepper — intertwines with gentle herbaceousness and a touch of caramelized sugar.

Finish:
Long and richly resonant, with lingering smoke, citrus peel, and tropical fruit echoes that persist alongside a refined mineral undercurrent and gentle warmth.

Quick Overview