Del Maguey Tobala Mezcal (75cl, 46%)

A single-village mezcal made from 100% wild Tobala agave, produced following Zapotec tradition. Wild-harvested Tobala piñas are roasted in underground earthen pits lined with volcanic rock, then crushed, naturally fermented and double distilled in small copper alembic stills. Tobala agave grows wild in high-altitude canyons of Oaxaca, in the shade of oak trees, and eight Tobala piñas yield roughly the same volume as a single heart from larger agave varieties. Del Maguey was founded by Ron Cooper in 1995. The nose shows sweet floral notes, ripe tropical fruit, light butter, key lime pie, wet stone and clay. The palate brings ripe mango, cinnamon spice, red berries, baking spice, a subtle smoked lactic quality, banana and vanilla sweetness. The finish is long and smooth, with mineral notes, gentle smoke, cinnamon and stone fruit.