Banhez Mezcal Cuishe Joven (75cl, 47%)

A joven mezcal made from the Cuishe agave, a subspecies of Espadín with long, narrow leaves. It comes from the Banhez Mezcal Cooperative, a collective of more than 35 families in San Miguel Ejutla in the central valley of Oaxaca, committed to sustainable, fair-trade production. Individual co-op members produce single-agave varietals like this one, each bottled under the specific mezcalero who crafted it. Production follows traditional methods: agave roasted in earthen wood-fire ovens lined with brick and stone, crushed using horse-pulled tahonas, fermented naturally and distilled in small batches. The mezcal is balanced, smooth and complex, with aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, herbs, floral notes, pine, cinnamon and cocoa, and flavours of sweet corn, tropical and citrus fruits, mint, cinnamon, honey and pepper, with hints of earth and smoke.