Don Amado Mezcal Rustico (75cl, 47%)

An unaged mezcal from Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca, made from 100% Espadin agave. It is earthen-roasted on firewood embers, fermented with its fibres in pine vats on airborne yeast, and double distilled in ceramic pot stills. It is bottled at 47% ABV in a 750 ml bottle with no ageing. The producer describes it as the flagship of the Real de Minas Distillery. The nose shows ash, crushed walnuts, roasted corn and savoury spice, over a bright citrus palate balanced by caramel, butterscotch and fresh herbs, with present but not overwhelming smoke.