El Silencio Espadín Mezcal (75cl, 43%)

El Silencio Espadín is an unaged mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico, bottled at 43% ABV. It is made entirely from Espadín agave. The piñas are roasted in an underground stone pit oven over hot stones and wood, which gives the smoke, then crushed, naturally fermented and double distilled in copper stills. The nose is subtle smoke over roasted agave, with citrus, earthy green notes and a touch of white pepper. The palate is robust and deep, with slow-cooked agave, roasted figs and sweet potato, cut by mineral earthiness and gentle spice. The finish is pronounced, closing on charred stone fruit, clay-like earth and a little salinity.