Don Amado Mezcal Arroqueno (75cl, 46%)

A single-varietal joven mezcal made from 100% Arroqueno agave, unaged and bottled clear at 46% ABV. The agave is grown at 4,800 feet in San Pablo Apostol, Oaxaca, and the mezcal is double distilled in ceramic clay pots in Santa Catarina Minas. The agave takes around 18 years to mature. The Arellanes family roast the hearts for four days over guamuchil and mesquite, ferment with bagazo in pine vats, and distil twice in ceramic pot stills. Bright and floral on the nose, with caramelised agave, leather and soft smoke; the palate shows cooked yam fruit, quince, persimmon, lemon verbena, citrus leaf, chocolate, espresso and savoury spice; the finish is supple and mineral, with gentle smoke settling last.