A bar in Nottingham has become only the second bar to be officially declared a Del Maguey Single Village Mezcaleria in the UK.
Brass Monkey in the heart of the Lace Market has been awarded the recognition – which includes a blue plaque (pictured) – for its work to raise the profile of mezcal and champion premium single-village mezcal.
It follows Crazy Pedro’s Part Time Pizza Parlour in Manchester becoming the first in the UK – and the first outside Mexico – to gain the accolade from single-village mezcal producer Del Maguey last summer.
Liam O’Brien, manager of Brass Monkey, said: “Being awarded and recognised as a quality mezcaleria is great. It’s not something we thought we would achieve but it’s something we’ve certainly been aiming for.
“At Brass we love agave spirits and have been stocking and serving only the best spirits we can find. With good-quality spirits, hard-working staff, great service and fantastic hair, you’d be surprised what you can achieve with a building that’s held together with duct tape, Blu-Tack and good intentions!”
Opened in 1999, Brass Monkey remains popular for its quirky interior, live music and creative cocktail menu. With its new official title, it is able to stock the full Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal portfolio. Below is their recipe for a cocktail using Del Maguey Vida.
Distributed in the UK by Amathus, Del Maguey is a collection of fine, rare, unblended mezcals made by individual family producers in small remote villages scattered throughout the state of Oaxaca in Mexico.
With one exception – the rare Tobala – they are all produced from 100% espadin agave and according to traditional processes, which dates back over 400 years.
Each Del Maguey Mezcal bears the name of the village where it is produced and is unique with flavours expressing the personalities, culture and the history of the village.
Earth, Wind and Fire (pictured below)
30ml Del Maguey Vida
25ml Dolin Dry vermouth
25ml Cartron Crème de Pêche de Vigne
25ml Lime juice
Stir down and strain into a chilled coupette.
