A Saturday in Mexico City
Except for my first few weeks here in Mexico City, I haven’t really explored the city. I’ve been too busy travelling around to neighbouring towns and other major cities, that I neglected Mexico’s capital. This Saturday I wanted to go out in Mexico City, but I didn’t want to do the typical tourist things. I scrapped the castle and museum idea, and decided to go on my own “tasting tour”.
When you think of Mexico, you think Tequila and Mezcal, and Mexico City has always been known for its Cantinas. But I had also heard that Mexico has been experiencing a similar craft beer explosion as Toronto. So I decided to taste Mexico, and I started at El Depósito for some Mexican Craft beers. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of Mexico’s craft beers. Growing up with Corona and Sol, you get jaded by the mainstream brands, but I really enjoyed these beers.
After indulging in a few carbonated drinks, I felt it was best to refuel. And what better than tacos? Nothing will ever beat street tacos, but Taquería El Califa is the next best thing. The chelas got me hungry, and being Italian, I was born with eyes bigger than my stomach (it’s genetic). I proceeded to order the classics (al pastor, arrachera, chicharrón, chorizo, bisteca con queso, and a few El Califa specialties), and filled the entire table with tacos. I probably should have chosen my table more wisely because I was on display outside by the sidewalk, and judged by perplexed Mexican passers-by that this guy was going to eat all that food by myself. But I ate it all, Tribbiani style.
I was full, but back on my feet, and ventured into Mezcaleria Alipús . Alipús was one of the first mezcals I discovered in Mexico, and I thought, what better way to pay homage to this fine spirit, than by going into its home and tasting them all. So, I proceeded to lead my own tasting.
Alipús is a product line of traditionally-made, single-village mezcals created by the Los Danzantes group. Each expression highlights a different village and distiller, and is made by the local villagers. Del Maguey isn’t the only single village mezcal on the market.
As I sampled each one, I began to make tasting notes, but my notes got progressively funnier as I made my way through the Alipús line-up and indulged in a few Pechuga mezcals.
Alipús San Luis: Initial spicy notes that work well with its subtle fruitiness, but it has a strong finish.
Alipús San Andres: Slightly smokier than the first. You can immediately taste the fruitiness of the agave. Very strong mezcal, but doesn’t overwhelm your palate. (My favourite of the line-up)
Alipús San Juan: Fruity with a slight sweetness. Complex earthy taste, but finishes smooth with just enough smoke to entice another sip.
Alipús San Baltazar: Does not smell smoky, but finishes and with a lot of smoke. Sweet with a salty and lemony aroma.
Los Danzantes Joven: Smokey, spicy, and tasty. Well-balanced herbal notes.
Real Minero Pechuga: Smells like vanilla. Light smoke. Good.
Don Mateo Pechuga: Citrusy and earthy. It’s good too.
Pink one: No good. Tasting like Buckley’s.
I’m not sure if I just got lazy, or started to feel the effects of these mezcals, but its was a really fun way to spend a Saturday in Mexico City.
