Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal Pechuga (75cl, 49%)

A seasonal mezcal from Del Maguey, made from double-distilled Minero Espadin from Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca. It receives a third distillation in ancestral clay stills with wild mountain apples, plums, red plantains, pineapples, almonds, white rice and a whole chicken breast suspended in the vapour. The base is Minero, already double-distilled in clay. For the third pass, the still is loaded with autumn fruit, almonds and rice, and a whole raw chicken breast is hung in the vapour path. The breast adds a savoury, briny depth. Pechuga is a pre-colonial Oaxacan tradition reserved for celebrations. The nose shows basil, lemon, ocean air and fruit. The palate is soft, round and gently savoury, with tropical fruit, tarragon and chicken-consomme umami. The finish is long, briny and citrusy.