Mezcal de Pechuga (Pechuga translates to ‘breast’ in Spanish) is made when a finished Mezcal is re-distilled with local fruits, grains and nuts, and a raw piece of protein (typically a chicken) is hung over the still to cook in the emanating vapors. Traditionally, this style of Mezcal is produced for special occasions and consumed locally, and there are as many different versions as there are distilleries.
QQRQ’s version trades the poultry for a homemade mole paste. This paste is made to a traditional recipe by the Méndez family and includes guajillo and ancho chillies, sesame seeds, almonds, peanuts, garlic, onion, raisins, bananas and cacao. Crafted by Carlos Méndez at his palenque in Santiago Matatlán, this Pechuga uses the QQRQ Espadín agave as its base. Following the second distillation, the mole paste is added and the spirit is rested to infuse for two weeks before a final, third distillation. This stunning, vegetarian-friendly recipe is thought to be the first commercial release of its kind.
The nose has that classic roasted agave sweetness balanced by Matatlán’s herbal vibe, and subtle wafts of earth, leather and white chocolate with wisps of smoke throughout. On the palate there’s a cornucopia of complex spices, roasted nuts and that earthy, botanical Espadín character. Terrific texture. A very long and nutty finish focuses in on roasted cacao and peppery spice.