Manomasa Mezcal Mash Up at Casa Negra

Manomasa, an exciting brand of premium tortillas with spirit, has taken its love of Mexican food and drink behind the scenes at hip Shoreditch restaurant and cocktail bar, Casa Negra in an exclusive ‘Mezcal Mash-Up’ tasting, taking place on Wednesday 17th September at 6.30pm – 9.00pm (£10 per person).

“Born on the back streets of Mexico” Manomasa pays tribute to the original tortilla chip – the ‘totopo ‘– using traditional Mexican techniques to create adventurous tasting tortillas. The chips are the perfect playmate for Casa Negra, a Mexican neighbourhood restaurant serving traditional food and awesome tequilas in the heart of Shoreditch.

Mezcal is a spirit from the heart of agave plants and predominantly created in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is a smoky, spicy, complex cousin of tequila made in much the same way as it was 200 years ago, and is now growing recognition in the global drinks arena.

The evening will see spirit enthusiasts welcomed on arrival with a legendary Quiquiriqui tommy Mezcal Margarita from the Casa Negra Bar before being whisked off to the intimate kitchen table, in the heart of the action.

The event will start with an introduction by Manomasa Founder Calum Ryder, who will take guests through the six Manomasa tortilla chip varieties from Green Lemon & Pink Peppercorn to Tomatillo Salsa. This will be followed by Melanie Symonds, producer of mezcal at Quiquiriqui, who will help guests discover four of the finest entry level mezcals as well as two exquisite single estate mezcals, all expertly paired for tasting with Manomasa’s six topotos and Casa Negra’s delicious dips and salsas. Attendees will also learn why purists like their mezcal straight up, like a good whisky or scotch, tasting the intricate and complex notes of this fascinating spirit.
Melanie describes mezcal as “A hand crafted spirit, made from the hearts of agave plants, which are roasted in pits in the ground, then crushed, fermented and distilled. The result is a clear spirit that is full of smoky, sweet agave flavours. When Mexicans say to you “it’s not just a drink: it’s a way of life” they mean it...!”

Mezcal Mash Up Menu:

• Del Maguey Vida, an organic single village Mezcal from the top producers Del Maguey, it’s twice distilled from 100% Agave Espadin, produced at the mountainous village of San Luis Del Rio. Vida has an aromatic spicy nose followed by a fruity, smoky, endless palate. Made the old-fashioned way - slow, with no added water, flavours or chemicals
Paired with Manomasa White Cheddar Tortilla Chips

• QuiQuiRiQui Mezcal Matalan, a spectacular starter Mezcal for those looking to get into the traditional spirit, Matatlan Mezcal is a grandstand of classic flavours, from smoky to sugary sweet, from earthy notes to a peppery finish. Made in Matatlan, which is known as the "World Capital of Mezcal", using Espadin agave and double distillation, it's a perfect introduction to the drink
Paired with Manomasa Green Lemon and Pink Peppercorn Tortilla Chips

• Maguey San Luis Del RiO 48% ABV FROM San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca. Del Maguey San Luis Del Rio 48%: Has a spicy, fruity and smoky nose with a high note of citrus. It is creamy, smooth and warming to the palate with a clean finish.
Paired with Manomasa Manchego and Green Olive Tortilla Chips

• Los Dazantes Repo, aged for eleven months in Nevier oak barrels, tasting of matured fruits and smoky aromas, confirmed on the palate with honey and caramel flavours that lead to a smooth but well-rounded, elegant and robust finish
Paired with Manomasa Tomatillo Salsa Tortilla Chips

• QuiQuiRiQui Mezcal San Juan del Rio 48% ABV
Made on the riverbank at San Juan del Rio by fourth generation Mezcal producer, Don Modesto Hernandez.This Mezcal is produced in a cooler highland climate on a mineral rich terrain. Double distilled in copper, each roast produces around 700 litres. Flavours start with a fresh citrus bang, its floral and flinty, finishing with a hint of green pepper and spice.
Paired with Manomasa Chipotle and Lime Tortilla Chips

• Los Danzantes anejo (meaning the dancers) IS AROUND 43% ABV FROM Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca. THE joven mezcal is put into French Nevers oak barrels and aged for some 11-12 months The mesquite smokiness becomes focused to something resembling peat in an Islay malt. Clean, brilliant, complex, refined, well-structured, with a deep long finish. Elegant is the word that fits.
Paired with Manomasa Sea Salt and Black Pepper Tortilla Chips