BEÚ Blood Moon Espadin Cempasúchil Mezcal

BEU Blood Moon is an Espadin agave spirit infused with petals of the cempasuchil, the marigold of Day of the Dead, made in Santo Domingo Albarradas in Oaxaca by maestro Domingo Orozco. Released in just 132 bottles, it was left uncertified for cost reasons, so it is sold as a destilado de agave rather than certified mezcal, though made the traditional way from Espadin grown eight to ten years.

The hearts are roasted in a conical earth oven, crushed by a horse drawn mill and fermented naturally in pinewood vats, then distilled three times in copper pot stills with the marigold petals carried through. Bottled at 49%, it opens on inviting vanilla and caramel sweetness with floral orange blossom and freshly peeled citrus over eucalyptus and cedar. The palate is soft, with almond and macadamia framed by subtle vanilla, while the finish recalls marzipan and a mild, sweet smoke from the pit roast.