Banhez Mezcal Tepeztate Joven (75cl, 48%)

Tepeztate is a wild-growing agave variety requiring anywhere from 17 to 25 years to reach full maturity before harvest. This bottling comes from Apolonio Patricio Lopez, in San Agustín Amatengo, part of the Ejutla region of Oaxaca and the broader Banhez Mezcal Cooperative, a collective uniting more than 35 families. Production follows traditional methods: agave roasted in earthen wood-fire ovens lined with brick and stone, crushed using tahonas pulled by horses, fermented naturally and distilled in small batches. Banhez's own copy describes the resulting mezcal as rich in smoke and terroir-driven earthiness. One reviewer found a green pepper vegetal nose with notes of green apple fruitiness and citrus zest, a sweet green pepper palate at first sip, and a lingering ground pepper, vegetal, grassy, faint mesquite finish.