Chawar Miske Blanco

Item: Chawar Miske Blanco
Rating: 3.0
Author: The Editors

Ecuadorian agave spirit – miske is the Andean cousin of mezcal

Score: 3.0/5 agaves

Producer: Chawar Andean Agave
Region: Mexico
Agave: Americana
ABV: 40%
Price: $40 ($$)

Verdict

A credible category-bending release. Ecuadorian miske is distilled from agave americana grown in the Andes, the same species used for pulque in central Mexico, but distilled in Ecuador's highlands rather than Oaxaca's. At 40% the spirit's character is legibly agave-adjacent without reading as mezcal, which is the whole category point. Andean agave spirits widen the geographic map. A curiosity with real tradition behind it.

Andean agave spirits widen the geographic map

Tasting notes

Nose: Cooked agave, then warm earth, faint citrus

Palate: Lean, miske's distinct character legible

Finish: Medium-long, cooling

The bottom line

Worth a glass for the novelty, with real tradition behind it

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

Total Wine & More – $40

Price check: $40 (2026-07-29).