Apaluz Mezcal Joven (75cl, 40%)

Apaluz Mezcal Joven is an artisanal mezcal from the Panuco family of Durango, Mexico. It is made from maguey cenizo, the Durangensis agave native to Durango's high plateau, with agaves around twelve years old. The agaves are roasted for three days over huizache, pine and oak in a volcanic-stone oven, crushed by hand with axes, fermented with well water and proprietary yeast in oak vats, and distilled in copper pot stills. It is bottled unaged as a joven at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle. It shows gentle smoke and bright citrus up front, then honeyed almond, vanilla and tamarind, with an earthy, mineral-driven profile that finishes clean and dry rather than sweet.