Cuishe (pronounced varyingly “kwee-sh” or “kwee-shay”) is a subvarietal of the Agave karwinskii species of agave, which grow wild in certain parts of Oaxaca, representing less than 1% of the agave currently growing in the state. The name Cuishe comes from the indigenous Zapotec, meaning “agave”. Unlike most agave, whose leaves (or “pencas”) grow outwards from a central heart or core which remains close to the ground, Agave karwinskii develop as a long vertical stem or trunk, with the sugar concentrated near the top where the pencas remain green and spiky. Agave karwinskii more closely resemble a palm to many observers than what is typically identified as agave. Their height and intimidating spikes have led some indigenous communities to use them as a natural fence. In addition, the entire trunk is typically fermented and distilled when producing mezcal, resulting in a spirit much higher in vegetal and fibrous aromatic & flavor profiles. There are many subvarietals of Agave karwinskii (Madrecuishe, Tobaziche, Barril, Largo); Cuishe is almost the goldilocks of the species: neither unusually short or tall, fat or slender, it typically stands around 6-7 feet tall and reaches maturity between 12 and 18 years.
| Product SKU | 344728 |
| Producer | El Jolgorio |
| Country | Mexico |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Other |
| ABV | 47.0% |
| Ships To |
