400 Conejos Joven Mezcal Espadín (75cl, 40%)

400 Conejos is a joven mezcal made entirely from Espadín agave in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, under the direction of maestro mezcalero Don Tacho. The name comes from the Aztec legend of 400 rabbits said to govern the effects of agave spirits. The agave is picked at 8 to 10 years old and roasted in a stone oven. It is crushed with a horse-drawn tahona, fermented naturally and distilled twice in copper stills. It is bottled at 40% in a 75cl bottle. The nose brings campfire and ash with faint ripe fruit, light herbs and a hint of citrus. The palate is soft, with fresh wood and sweet cooked agave, and it closes with gentle smoke.