Foley Intros Penumbra Mezcal: A Single-Palenque Espadín

Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) announces the debut of Penumbra Mezcal – the first agave spirit created by Chip Tate, FFWS Master Distiller of Innovation, whose goal is to reframe the role of smoke in mezcal.

Named for the moment during a solar eclipse “where light lingers at the edge of shadow,” Penumbra is distilled by the maestro mezcalero at a single Palenque in Santa Ana del Río, one of Oaxaca’s revered mezcal-producing villages, to the exclusive expression Tate developed for FFWS. In the foothills of the Sierra Juárez with elevations of nearly 4,000 feet, agaves mature slowly, developing concentrated, herbaceous complexity. To produce Penumbra, Espadín agaves are machete-chopped and very closely trimmed; tahona-crushed; fire-roasted; then distilled over open-wood flame.

Tate’s expertise in blending distilling traditions and innovation to craft respected whiskies like Balcones and the recently released Ampersand and Gambit No. 6 shapes Penumbra’s profile. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of wood and smoke, Tate designed the expression to deliver layered complexity, defined by a measured smokiness and a clean, mineral‑driven finish. Working to Tate’s specification,  the palenque’s production choices include:

• Encino wood pit-roasting: Instead of traditional mesquite, Penumbra uses local Encino, a slow-burning live oak that produces a rounder, charcoaled wood-smoke profile with less sharpness.
• Three-day “low and slow” controlled roast: The agaves are introduced only after the initial harsh smoke from the fire pit has dissipated, enabling a cleaner, more subtle infusion of flavor.
• Post-roast selection: Carefully trimming and removing over-charred agave to reduce bitterness and ensure clean, balanced smoke in the final spirit.
• Precision distillation cuts: Tighter cuts isolate the cleanest portion of the spirit, eliminating heavy, tarry notes.

As Master Distiller for Innovation at Foley Family Wines & Spirits, Tate is inspired to find new ways to combine and elaborate on old traditions, as demonstrated in Penumbra mezcal.

“Smoke is one of the most important but ethereal elements in mezcal,” says Tate. “The flavors of pit roasting are so foundational to what mezcal is – but the balance is important. So, the agave must be roasted just right and well-trimmed to yield an elegant, nuanced smoke.  My aim with Penumbra was to balance and control the smoke to complement the ripe, bright agave—not dominate it.”

Bottled at 46% ABV, Penumbra is a higher proof mezcal, offering notes of roasted agave, grilled honeydew, grapefruit zest, peppercorn, salinity, and white chocolate, all anchored by a refined, elegant smoke. Exceptionally versatile, Penumbra is an accessible entry point for newcomers to the category and a sophisticated staple for connoisseurs. Penumbra can be enjoyed neat or to elevate cocktails from a Mezcal Margarita to an Oaxacan Old Fashioned.

"The mezcal category continues to demonstrate strong momentum, growing 5.1%* as more consumers discover the depth, authenticity, and craftsmanship that define the spirit,” said Jason Daniel, CMO of Foley Family Wine & Spirits. “As interest in premium agave spirits expands, we see a significant opportunity to introduce drinkers to innovative mezcal expressions that remain rooted in tradition. This launch reflects our commitment to investing in the category's future and sharing the rich heritage of mezcal with an evolving audience,” added Daniel. 

Penumbra has earned early acclaim, receiving Double Gold and 95 Points at the 2025 Tequila & Mezcal Challenge. It is available at retailers nationally (SRP $45) and online at www.penumbramezcal.com.