Kirker Greer Spirits, part of Drinksology Kirker Greer (DKG), is launching four new Artisanal Mezcals in partnership with their Del Suelo co-founders Alí Rogelio Ramírez and world-leading bar operators Gregory Buda and Kevin Demers.
Available immediately to both on-trade and specialist retailers in the UK, Europe and Singapore, these ethically-sourced mezcals are crafted using time-honoured techniques that capture the nuanced flavours of a diverse range of agaves, each showcasing a single variety from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Crafted at a palenque (distillery) in the village of San Luis del Río, in a sun-kissed valley in the rugged and remote mountains of the State of Oaxaca, each bottle carries with it a story of the earth. The unique microclimate and mineral-rich soil create a distinct terroir, yielding mezcals of the highest quality with diverse and complex characters.
“The subtle and intricate flavours of each agave, the soul of our mezcal, across each expression are uniquely enhanced by distinctive terroir influences imparted by the soil, climate, and other conditions unique to where they grew,” says Don Baltazar Cruz Gómez, Del Suelo’s mezcalero (master mezcal maker). “The result is an exceptional mezcal that is both complex and distinctive, representing a tribute to the land,” he adds.
The Del Suelo expressions include an Espadín, Liso, Tobalá and Madrecuishe:
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Del Suelo Espadín: Characterised by a mineral flavour and dry mouthfeel, Espadín offers appealing citrus, orchard fruit and spice notes.
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Del Suelo Liso: Crafted from an extremely unique and rare agave, this lush and juicy mezcal is characterised by tropical fruit flavours, and floral, delicate aromatics.
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Del Suelo Tobalá: This earthy mezcal has a creamy mouthfeel, and notes of coffee, spice and bitter chocolate.
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Del Suelo Madrecuishe: This mezcal’s signature vegetal flavours are complemented by a sharp mouthfeel and bright green and grassy notes.
The mix of wild and cultivated agave are nurtured by the rugged landscape and intense heat of the sun where they grow, slowly developing their flavours over many years. Del Suelo’s mezcals also undergo natural fermentation in open-air wooden vats, a process that relies on wild yeasts in the air, and which makes each batch a further unique expression of its environment.
In crafting its artisanal mezcals, Del Suelo uses time-honoured processes, techniques and traditions respected for generations in Oaxaca, taking care at every step to get the very best from nature in a sustainable and responsible way. Each agave used is produced using sustainable farming practices designed to nurture and sustain the earth, preserving its vitality for future generations.
“We’re dedicated to honouring the land through a steadfast commitment to sustainability, and to respecting everyone within the mezcal community; from the farmers tending the agave fields to the artisans crafting the spirits, ensuring every hand involved is treated with respect and paid fairly for their work,” says Del Suelo co-founder, Alí Rogelio Ramírez. “The result is an exceptional mezcal representing a celebration of heritage, a tribute to the land, and a testament to the dedication of the people who craft it.”
Del Suelo’s range is bottled in sustainable ‘wild glass’ and features illustrations created by Oaxaca City artist Walter García Hernández. The label artwork features a series of vibrantly striking native animals; each bearing a significance to the nature and culture of the state of Oaxaca, while also representing a narrative of Mexico’s folklore and the area’s intrinsic connection with mezcal production. As a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, Hernández sees his art as a tool for raising awareness about the importance of preserving Mexico’s rich biodiversity.
Del Suelo is also looking to make mezcal more accessible by introducing its own visual tasting language. Each of its four mezcals boasts uniquely intriguing and complex flavours, represented by a symbol on the bottle that visually captures its distinctive taste profile.
“Mezcal can be made from a diverse range of agaves; the symbols help define and explain the differences in flavour between each agave variety,” says Gregory Buda, Del Suelo Co-Founder. “More than just a decorative feature on the bottles, it illustrates the complex balance of elements that make up each expression, giving consumers and bartenders greater insight into its characteristics and versatility.”
Del Suelo is aimed at 28-45 year old urban dwellers with discerning tastes and is expected to particularly appeal to the creative community, bartenders, spirits aficionados, and craft beer lovers.
Available to on-trade and specialist retail with an RRP ranging from £60-£90, Del Suelo’s mezcals are 45% ABV (700ml bottles). Del Suelo is best enjoyed neat, in craft cocktails like an Oaxacan old fashioned or mezcal margarita, or as a refreshing long drink with tonic or grapefruit soda.
