Inspired by the celebration of life, Cráneo Mezcal is a single estate artisanal mezcal handcrafted by local maestro mezcaleros and agave aficionado David Ravandi in the heartland of Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca. Honoring century old Mexican traditions, the sacred skull depicted on our label was inspired by the Aztec Goddess Mictecacihuatl 'Meek-teka-see-wahdl', the guardian of the bones, which symbolizes strength and influence. In turn, our artisanal mezcal derives its strength and character from agave.
Cráneo Mezcal begins with hand selecting agave grown at 5,600 ft. Harvested when fully matured, charred pit oven roasted piñas are then crushed by a massive stone tahona to extract their sweet juice. Once natural fermentation occurs, small batches of Cráneo Mezcal are distilled twice in copper pot stills capturing bold, complex flavors of agave, rich fermentation notes and smoke.
Dedicated to the preservation of ancient Oaxaca methods of artisanal distillation while sustaining the highest quality of production, founder David Ravandi combines the experience and respect of those who have produced the finest mezcal for generations with his own vision and passion.
Cráneo Mezcal… Great minds drink alike.
!Salud y Dixeebe!
Classically structured on the nose with sweet barbecue smoke and hints of citrus, Cráneo is light and silky in body with flavors of orange and grapefruit peel, green banana, and spun sugar that punctuate a modestly-sweet smokiness.
Earthy notes of tobacco layered with smokey tropical grilled fruit give way to a powerful rush of sea salt, sweet, charred agave and buttery toffee finishing with dark layers of burnt orange and black licorice.
Focused nose of salted green apple with notes of burnt caramel flan give way to cool tangy notes of fermented agave, herbaceous undertones and a swift bite of fresh green peppercorn on the finish.