La Medida Espadin Joven Mezcal

La Medida Mezcal (“the measure”) is a collaborative brand created by Julián Vidal Gómez Rodríguez, who has been one of the unsung icons of Oaxacan mezcal for over 40 years.

Julian’s history reads like a narrative of the evolution of the modern mezcal industry, at a gradual transition in scale. Beginning with early commercialization decades ago, Julian witnessed firsthand the rise of industrial distillers like Monte Alban and Benevá; he left to help open the door to artisanal mezcal alongside Ron Cooper during the first years of Del Maguey, and eventually he moved on to co-found the tiny artisanal brand he operates today.

Alongside his son, Julián works in concert with several highly regarded mezcaleros around Oaxaca (including the enigmatic legend Don Celso, who co-founded the brand) to showcase a diverse range of wild and cultivated single-varietal bottlings.

The man, the myth, the legend…the mysterious mezcalero Don Celso of Rio Golea is spoken of in reverential terms by agave cognoscenti the world over. Celso distills only this one core varietal, but does it so beautifully that we couldn’t dream of asking for anything else. This truly legendary La Medida Espadin Joven Mezcal speaks deeply of place, challenging every preconception about the variety you may have. Foreshadowed by a nose of bold dark fruit (blueberries?!), sweet green herbs (tarragon? sage?) and dry hard cheese (parmesan!), the explosive palate delivers a motherload of minerality, weighty mouthfeel, deep berries and smoky musculature on the palate. It must be experienced to be understood. And even then….