The Lost Explorer, a trailblazing global brand recognized for its portfolio of international award-winning mezcals, announces the launch of The Lost Explorer Reserva del Maestro, a limited-edition series that debuts with Madre Cuishe. Showcasing Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos’ passion, unique skill, and depth of agave expertise, The Lost Explorer Reserva del Maestro reinforces the brand’s commitment to create a complete line of premium agave spirits made within the rhythm of nature.
Rooted in sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship, The Lost Explorer Reserva del Maestro Madre Cuishe joins the brand’s celebrated core lineup of mezcals: Espadín, Tobalá, and Salmiana – and now Reserva – all created by esteemed Maestro Mezcalero Ramos, who brings four decades of expertise and international recognition to the brand. Carefully selected for the 2024 Reserva del Maestro edition, Madre Cuishe is a wild-harvested agave known for its resilience. Among the arid landscapes of Oaxaca, Mexico, the agave thrives in rugged terrains, between rocks shaping the agave’s distinct and complex character. Its name, "Madre Cuishe," reflects its role as a central agave within the Karwinskii family, supporting the genetic diversity and growth of related agaves like Bicuishe and Cuishe.
The Lost Explorer Reserva del Maestro is made from 12-year-old Madre Cuishe agave, hand-harvested by skilled Jimadores in Oaxaca. During the harvest, the protective leaves are carefully removed with the coa to expose the piñas, which are then divided for two distinct cooking methods. A portion of the piñas is slow-cooked in large conical earthen ovens for approximately 72 hours, while the remaining piñas are steamed in above-ground masonry brick ovens for 24 hours. This dual cooking process not only enhances the complexity of flavors but also minimizes the carbon footprint, reflecting The Lost Explorer’s commitment to sustainability.
After cooking in an isolated and sterilized area, the agave is milled and naturally fermented in open-air wooden vats filled with pure spring water, allowing wild yeast to interact with the elements and develop the mezcal’s intricate profile. Maestro Mezcalero Ramos oversees each step, respecting the natural fermentation timeline before transferring the liquid to small copper alembic stills. The mezcal undergoes a meticulous double distillation, resulting in a pure and well-balanced expression that honors the essence of the Madre Cuishe agave.
Making mezcal with Madre Cuishe reflects Maestro Mezcalero Ramos’ commitment to his craft and a deep respect for the people, the place, and the majestic agave plant. The meticulous process yields a mezcal with richer, more nuanced flavor profile, offering a vibrant, earthy journey that reflects both the resilience of the agave and the craftsmanship. As Maestro Mezcalero Ramos puts it, “This is my favorite to-date because it challenged me as a Maestro Mezcalero, pushing me to bring out the very best in both the agave and in me.”
The Lost Explorer Reserva del Maestro Madre Cuishe edition is bottled at 45% ABV, a choice made by Maestro Mezcalero Ramos to best highlight the agave’s unique characteristics. This strength, he believes, enhances the vibrant, earthy profile of the mezcal, showcasing the essence of the agave and the craftsmanship behind every bottle. The liquid is presented in glass bottles made in Mexico from recycled crystal scraps, hand-labeled and sealed with 100% biodegradable vegetable and beeswax sourced from indigenous communities in Oaxaca.
Sip The Lost Explorer Reserva del Maestro slowly and curiously to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of flavor. The 2024 limited edition Madre Cuishe expression of The Lost Explorer Maestro del Reserva (SRP: $120.00 USD| 45% ABV) is now available in key markets throughout the United States as well as globally in Mexico. For more information, please visit our website at thelostexplorer.com and explore more with us on our Instagram page @thelostexplorer.
THE LOST EXPLORER RESERVA DEL MAESTRO NOTES FROM MAESTRO MEZCALERO DON FORTINO RAMOS
Crafted to be savored slowly, The Lost Explorer Reserva del Maestro’s herbal, fruity, and nutty notes are best enjoyed alone or alongside Mexican cheese with salsa verde, fresh ceviche, and churros with caramel.
The Nose: Notes of fresh herbs, pine nut, peach, and apple.
The Palate: Creamy layers of butter, peanut, and almond, with hints of orange peel and a subtle mineral essence.
The Finish: A refined, long-lasting finish with sweet, earthy notes of yam and caramel.
ABOUT THE LOST EXPLORER
The Lost Explorer crafts exquisite mezcal and tequila, honoring the agave and its terroir—from the arid
valleys of Oaxaca to the volcanic lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico. These handcrafted spirits are additive-free
and made from 100% agave. Our deep commitment to sustainability means that our spirits are made
within the rhythm of Nature, with respect to biodiversity and local communities.
The Lost Explorer distributes its premium spirits, including mezcal and tequila, in global markets such as Mexico, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. For more information, visit thelostexplorer.com.
ABOUT MAESTRO MEZCALERO DON FORTINO RAMOS
Maestro Mezcalero, Don Fortino Ramos is an internationally recognized, award-winning producer of mezcal. Based in Oaxaca, Don Fortino Ramos is a self-taught first-generation Mezcalero who has been perfecting his craft for well over two decades. A love for the craft of artisanal mezcal runs in the family. His daughter, Xitlali, works closely alongside him as she trains to become the next-generation Mezcalera, carrying forward the family’s legacy of artisanal mezcal craftsmanship.
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