Chopin Imports is on its way to becoming one of the biggest names in agave.
Interestingly, Chopin Imports has built an extensive portfolio of premium brands beyond vodka, with a special focus on Mexican agave spirits.
Mezcal making is woven into the fabric of many Mexican communities and Chopin Imports has partnered with two artisan producers, Koch El Mezcal and Maguey Spirits, who both share a commitment to sustainability and traditional methods. “We have partnered with those we feel are the top two producers throughout Mexico,” says Chopin Imports COO Chuck Kane’. “They are not contract brands. They live and breathe what they do 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”
Koch El Mezcal’s origins date back to the Mexican Revolution. The family business was resurrected in 2009 when Carlos Moreno resumed its traditions. Today the company is community-run and dedicated to environmental stewardship. They work with 60 mezcal producing families from more than 20 communities in and around Oaxaca, creating a portfolio made from wild, cultivated, and semi-cultivated agaves. Koch El Mezcal has also pioneered single agave mezcals, showcasing the differences in wild agave plants. In addition to the traditional Espadin, you will see names like Arroqueno, Tepeztate, Tobalá, Barril, Tobasiche and Madrecuishe. Koch’s Ensamble mezcal blends four agave, Maguey Cirial, Tobalá, Tobasiche, Lumbre, including varieties of agaves sourced from local families.
Although not all available yet in the U.S., Mezcal Burrito Fiestero make ten varieties of agave native to the state of Durango, making it the most diverse and exotic collection of mezcals from that region. Ensamble blends two of Durango’s most representative wild agaves, Agave Cenizo and Agave Verde, for exceptional mezcal.
We asked Chuck Kane’ to tell us more about Chopin Imports dive into the world of agave spirits.
Tell us about Chopin Imports line of Mezcals.
We have partnered with those we feel are the top two producers throughout Mexico. Both Koch El Mezcal, from Oaxaca in the South and Maguey Spirits from Durango in the North, are family-owned and committed to the traditions of the communities they work with, sustainability, quality, and passion for what they are doing. They are not “contract brands.” They live and breathe what they do 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
What makes these Mezcal brands stand out from other Mezcal on the market today.
Having these brands from the north and the south opens up a larger world of what Mezcal can be with a large selection of different agave species to work with that are indigenous to each region. For example, Koch El Mezcal works with over 30 species of agave from over 20 different communities in Oaxaca. Maguey Spirits offers Mezcal and Sotol varietals from all over Durango, Chihuahua, Guerrero and Michoacan that are not produced in Oaxaca. Other brands can’t or haven’t chosen to go this deep into the world of agave.
Mezcal is having a moment. Why do you think the time was right for this spirit to become so popular?
I think as consumers we are curious to see what else is out there. Mezcal was always the first distilled agave spirit, and it is finally starting to get the attention it deserves.
What should bartenders/consumers know about Mezcal?
Versatility is the first thing that pops into my head. Mezcal is like a chameleon; it can be used in so many classic cocktails to change the flavor profile into something never thought of before. Swap Mezcal for the base spirit in your favorite Whiskey, Gin or Tequila cocktail, and I think most will be very pleasantly surprised.
Anything to add about its label/packaging?
The focus for these brands is really the liquid in the bottles. Sustainability and social responsibility are always at the top of the list for these producers. They reflect this in creating the packaging, using sustainably sourced and recycled products produced in Mexican communities whenever possible.
Tell us what Mezcal Gin is. How is this spirit made? What are its best uses? What should bartenders know?
Mezcal Gin is an incredible concept. Made in the traditional Ancestral method but adding the botanicals during the second distillation, stylistically like a “Pechuga” Mezcal. Any classic Gin cocktail is instantly better, in my opinion.
What can we expect from Chopin Imports in the future?
Our goal is to be known as having one of, if not the best, agave portfolios in the USA. We have the good fortune of also representing Felipe Camarena’s Terralta Tequila as well. Although this may not be a brand too many people have heard of yet, small production from Felipe’s El Pandillo Distillery, Terralta is destined for “cult status” among Tequila drinkers everywhere. Stay tuned… We will be adding to our Tequila portfolio in the near future with another small production Tequila you won’t want to miss out on.
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Source: Mixology News
