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How to enjoy it

Luxury Mezcal: ZUNTE Swarovski

By Adrián Villalba · 2 min read
Luxury Mezcal: ZUNTE Swarovski
In short

a luxury mezcal stands out for what is inside and how it is presented. Inside: wild agaves that take many years to mature, small-batch artisanal production and a complex profile. Outside: a bottle that becomes a collector's piece. ZUNTE Swarovski® brings both together: an ensamble of 18-year wild Tepeztate and 8-year high-altitude Espadín, in an edition that unites luxury and tradition.

What makes a mezcal premium?

Factor Why it matters
Wild agave Grows uncultivated on slopes; scarce and hard to harvest
Years to mature A Tepeztate can take 15 years or more; it cannot be rushed
Yield Many kilos of agave for a few liters of mezcal
Artisanal process Stone oven, tahona, natural fermentation, copper still
Small batches Each run has its own character
Presentation The bottle signals the value of what it holds

Why is Tepeztate so special?

Tepeztate (Agave marmorata) is one of the most prized wild agaves. It grows in rocky terrain and takes many years to be ready. It brings intense green, floral and spicy aromas that a cultivated agave does not.

What is ZUNTE Swarovski like?

Detail Product sheet
Agaves Wild Tepeztate (18 years) and high-altitude Espadín (8 years)
Origin San Luis del Río, Central Valleys of Oaxaca
Color Bright and luminous
Body Complex, light and silky
Fragrance Exceptionally fragrant, fresh, citrusy, floral and wild herbal
Flavor Distinguished, untamed, complex herbal notes with a touch of smoke
Strength 40% ABV

How to enjoy it

Neat, at room temperature, in a tasting glass or copita, in small sips. It is a mezcal for a special occasion, a toast or a gift, not for cocktails.

How this applies to ZUNTE

ZUNTE has three expressions that rise in complexity: ZUNTE (Espadín), ZUNTE Gold (15-year Tepeztate and Espadín, with 24-carat gold flakes) and ZUNTE Swarovski (18-year Tepeztate and Espadín). Swarovski is “an extraordinary encounter” between luxury and the tradition of San Luis del Río. Like every ZUNTE, it is additive-free: its only ingredients are agave and water.

FAQ

Is an expensive mezcal always better?

Not always; price reflects agave scarcity, years of waiting and presentation. What matters is that the liquid lives up to it.

Can it be used in cocktails?

It can, but you lose its nuances. Best neat.

Is it a good gift?

Yes; it is one of ZUNTE's most special presentations.

Sources

  • ZUNTE Mezcal. ZUNTE Swarovski and ZUNTE Gold product sheets, zuntemezcal.com/products.
  • CONABIO. Agave marmorata species profile.
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Adrián VillalbaTW and Lead Content, Zunte Spirits.