Apaluz Mezcal Joven (1L, 40%)

Apaluz Mezcal Joven is an artisanal joven mezcal from Durango, Mexico, made from agave Durangensis, known locally as maguey cenizo, harvested at around 12 years old. The Panuco family roast the agaves for three days in a volcanic-stone oven, hand-mash them with axes, ferment in oak vats with well water and proprietary yeast, and distill in copper pot stills. Bottled unaged, it shows the agave and the high-desert terroir directly. The nose carries light smokiness over citrus and honey, with almond, vanilla and tamarind through the middle; the cenizo agave reads earthier and more mineral than Oaxacan espadín, with a clean, dry finish.