Founded in 2009, Cuish was the first modern mezcaleria in Oaxaca City, dedicated to promoting and protecting traditional mezcales. It has been a haunt for artists and mezcal advocates alike, and helped to inspire numerous iconic mezcalerias across the country. Promoting the maestros mezcaleros and mezcaleras with whom they collaborate has always been a focus for Cuish, and production is left entirely to the discretion of the maestros themselves and the local traditions in which they work. As a result, every batch of mezcal bottled by Cuish is a unique snapshot of people and place.

Produced in San Luis Amatlán, Oaxaca, by maestro mezcalero Agustín Quendoliain, this example of the Agave karwinskii variety was distilled using a traditional copper pot still with a small external condenser (or ‘refrescadera’) which is common in the southern mountains of Miahuatlán. Aromatic and powerful, this is an outstanding and unique mezcal. Highly recommended. 48% ABV.