Del Maguey San Luis Del Rio Mezcal (75cl, 46%)

A single-village mezcal from San Luis Del Rio in the Sierra Sur mountains of Oaxaca, made by Paciano Cruz Nolasco and his family in the traditional Oaxacan way. It is produced from wild Espadin agave grown on steep slopes above the Rio Hormiga Colorada, using earth pit roasting, ambient fermentation with wild microbes and copper pot still distillation. The result is a mezcal with tropical fruit brightness and a distinctive cigar smoke finish. Nose: roasted pineapple and bright citrus, tropical and vivid. Palate: mango, cocoa, dried chiles and a touch of salinity from the mountain water. Finish: cigar smoke and plenty of fruit, long and memorable.