La Escondida Mezcal Artesanal Blanco (70cl, 40%)

A blanco mezcal from Oaxaca in southern Mexico, made exclusively from Espadín agave. The hand-harvested agave hearts are slowly cooked in an earth pit on heated volcanic stones, then crushed by a stone moved by a horse. Fermentation takes place in pine containers with local spring water and wild yeasts, followed by double distillation in small copper stills. Smoke, cooked agave, mineral, earthy and woody impressions shape its character. The 0.7-litre bottle with mermaid motif is offered at 40% in gift packaging. The nose brings smoke first, then honey and finer berry notes, white pepper and a herbal background, with earthy and fruity aromas adding depth; the palate is soft and balanced, with cooked agave, strong spice, well-integrated smoke, clearer herbal notes and honey and berry hints; and the finish is long, with spicy notes and aromatic smoke.