Tried & Tested: Mezcal Artesanal Manso Sahuayo Joven vs. Manso Sahuayo y Bruto Joven, A Taste of Michoacán’s Soul
For the discerning palate, mezcal offers more than just smoky allure – it’s a story in a bottle. Few tell it better than La Luna Mezcal’s Manso Sahuayo Joven and its bolder cousin, Manso Sahuayo y Bruto Joven. Both hail from the highlands of Michoacán, where mezcaleros have been distilling agave spirits for generations, long before mezcal became the darling of cocktail menus.
The Craft Behind the Spirit
Both expressions are made from Maguey Manso Sahuayo, a rare, unclassified agave species endemic to the region. Known locally as Cenizo for its silvery leaves, this agave is cultivated in the volcanic soils of Jiquilpan and Sahuayo. The production is entirely artisanal: the agave is roasted in earthen pits, fermented with wild yeast, and distilled in copper and pinewood stills – a nod to Filipino-style distillation introduced centuries ago.
- Manso Sahuayo Joven clocking in at 48.33% ABV. It’s palate think of grilled pineapple, candyfloss and mint with a woody lime and bay leaf finish.
- Manso Sahuayo y Bruto Joven is an ensemble, blending Manso Sahuayo with Agave Bruto (also known as Inaequidens), adding complexity and depth giving a long smoky peppery warmth.
Joven is bright and expressive ideal for sipping neat on a warm evening. The y Bruto is more brooding, with a savoury backbone that pairs beautifully with food.
Perfect Pairings
- Neat: Serve in copitas or clay cups to enhance the aroma.
- Cocktails: Try the Joven in a Mezcal Negroni or Oaxacan Old Fashioned. The y Bruto shines in a smoky Paloma with grapefruit and rosemary.
- Food: Pair with grilled octopus, aged Manchego, or dark chocolate with sea salt.
Corporate Gifting Appeal
These mezcals are more than spirits – they’re conversation starters. Their artisanal pedigree, limited production, and striking flavour profiles make them ideal for gifting to clients or colleagues who appreciate craftsmanship and cultural depth.
Manso Sahuayo Joven RRP £64–£75
Manso Sahuayo y Bruto Joven RRP £102–£110. This price reflects its limited batch production and the complexity of working with Agave Bruto, which is notoriously difficult to harvest and distil.