Gusano Rojo Mexico Mezcal 38%

Since the 1940s, a small worm has rested at the bottom of this bottle – not as a gimmick, but as part of a Mexican tradition as genuine as the smoke from the earthen ovens.

Expert Description

Gusano Rojo Mezcal is a Mexican Mezcal made from 100% Espadín agave, bottled at 38%.

The mezcal is produced in Santiago Matatlán in Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most important mezcal regions, where the agave hearts are cooked in traditional earthen pit ovens over wood fire, giving the mezcal its characteristic smoky flavour. After cooking, it is double-distilled in copper pot stills. Gusano Rojo was one of the very first mezcal brands to place a gusano, the worm from the agave plant, inside the bottle – a tradition that, according to legend, began at the brand's bottling plant in the 1940s when an employee came up with the idea. In Oaxaca, the worm is traditionally regarded as a delicacy.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Smoky agave with earthy notes and a touch of citrus.

Palate

Smoky, grilled agave, balanced by citrus and herbaceous notes.

Finish

Long and mild, with a gentle agave sweetness and a last hint of smoke.

Specifications

Name: Gusano Rojo Mezcal
Distillery: Gusano Rojo Mezcal
Region/Country: Oaxaca, Mexico
Type: Mexican Mezcal, 100% Espadín Agave
ABV: 38%
Size: 70 CL
Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed neat in a small copita at room temperature, ideally with salt and orange slices on the side.

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Earthy · Citrus · Agave

Did You Know?

Did you know Gusano Rojo was one of the first mezcal brands to place a gusano inside the bottle – a tradition that, according to legend, began at the brand's bottling plant in the 1940s?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Gusano Rojo Mezcal

Why is there a worm in the bottle?

It is the traditional gusano from the agave plant, and Gusano Rojo was one of the first brands to include it, as a nod to mezcal's artisanal traditions.

Is Gusano Rojo made from 100% agave?

Yes, it is made exclusively from Espadín agave.

Where is the mezcal produced?

In Santiago Matatlán in Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most important mezcal regions.

Why does mezcal often taste smoky?

Because the agave hearts are cooked in earthen pit ovens over wood fire, which gives it its characteristic smoky flavour.

What does Gusano Rojo taste like?

Smoky and earthy on the nose, with citrus and herbaceous notes on the palate.

How is Gusano Rojo best served?

Neat in a small copita at room temperature, ideally with salt and orange slices.

Are mezcal and tequila the same thing?

No, mezcal is the broader category that tequila belongs to. Tequila must specifically be made from blue Weber agave, while mezcal can be made from many different agave varieties.