How The Luxurious Desolas Mezcal Is Redefining The Spirit & Evolving Mezcal

In the world of spirits, mezcal is often pigeonholed into a single narrative: smoky and intense. Desolas Mezcal, founded in 2020 by GG Mirvis, is challenging and reshaping this perception. With its low-smoke profile and commitment to showcasing the diverse flavors of agave, Desolas is leading a movement in the mezcal category.

Traditional mezcal is usually characterized by its robust smoky flavor, resulting from cooking the agave piñas (hearts) in underground pits. This smoke-heavy profile, while iconic, can be a barrier for anyone who may be turned off by the hints of smoke. Desolas Mezcal breaks away from this, offering a low-smoke alternative emphasizing the spirit’s subtlety and sophistication.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Desolas Mezcal

Desolas is delicately handcrafted from 100% Salmiana Agave in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Unlike many mezcals, which use the more common Espadin agave, Desolas is the only mezcal that highlights the unique qualities of Salmiana Agave. The arid climate and chalky soil of San Luis Potosi impart distinctive herbal, grassy, and botanical notes to the spirit, creating a flavor profile that is both unique and versatile.

A key factor in Desolas’ low-smoke profile is its production process. Instead of cooking the piñas in traditional underground pits, Desolas employs above-ground ovens known as “hornos.” This method results in a gentler extraction of flavors, allowing the natural character of the agave to shine without being overshadowed by smoke. This nuanced approach reveals that mezcal can offer a complex array of flavors beyond the stereotypical smokiness.

Desolas is part of a broader movement towards understanding and appreciating the diverse possibilities within the mezcal category. As founder GG Mirvis observed, “When I was in Mexico researching and trying different mezcals, I realized that mezcal could be so many different things and so many different plants make different types of flavors. It was serendipitous that a family I used to work with connected me to the producers of the Salmiana agave, a secret ingredient in the Desolas flavor. It felt like all these different elements, people, and experiences aligned to push me to bottle Desolas.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Desolas Mezcal

This insight underscores a crucial point: mezcal is not just about smoke; it’s about the intricate interplay of process, plant variety, and environmental factors. The story of Desolas is a testament to this, showing how different types of agave and production methods can produce a spirit that is as complex and varied as any fine wine or whiskey.

The brand has rapidly become one of the highest-awarded mezcals, garnering many prestigious awards. At the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Desolas Mezcal Blanco won double gold and received a remarkable 95-point score from The Tasting Alliance. Additional accolades include a platinum medal at the 2024 L.A. Spirits Awards, Mezcal of the Year at the 2023 Bartender Spirit Awards, a gold medal at Tales of the Cocktail, and a double gold at the 2023 New York World Spirits Competition.

These accolades highlight Desolas as a standout example of how mezcal can evolve and thrive in new and exciting ways. The recognition reflects not only the quality of the spirit but also the shifting perceptions about what mezcal can be.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Desolas Mezcal

Desolas Mezcal is being poured at the most renowned spots in Miami, NYC, California, the Hamptons, Aspen, and more. From invite-only mezcal nights at Miami’s exclusive Casa Tua to seasonal activations at the iconic Surf Lodge in the Hamptons and Snow Lodge in Aspen, to exclusive cocktails served at NY staples from Sant Ambroeus to Casa Lever, #IYKYK. Desolas Mezcal is quickly becoming the go-to spirit for those seeking uncompromising quality. Check out their venue locator, or you can buy it online here.

Desolas Mezcal is not just expanding the boundaries of mezcal; it’s redefining them. By highlighting the diverse flavors of Salmiana Agave and employing a low-smoke production process, Desolas is proving that mezcal is a spirit rich with potential beyond traditional expectations. With its impressive array of awards and innovative approach to cocktail versatility, Desolas Mezcal is leading the charge in evolving the mezcal category and setting new standards for what this remarkable spirit can be.