Marca Negra Espadín Mezcal (70cl, 51%)

Marca Negra Espadín is an artisanal mezcal from San Luis del Río, Tlacolula, in Oaxaca, made by Maestro Mezcalero Jorge Méndez. It comes in a 70cl bottle at 51% abv. The spirit is made from estate-grown Espadín agave (Agave angustifolia), matured for 8 to 10 years before harvest. The agave is hand-harvested and milled with a stone tahona wheel, then distilled twice in copper pot stills. The nose brings ripe fruit, citrus and smouldering wood fire. The palate is milky and sweet with lemony brightness and soft, earthy smoke, and the finish lingers with citrus and warming smoke.