Mexicat Mezcal Añejo 6 Year (75cl, 40%)

An Oaxacan mezcal rested six years in oak barrels, crafted by Nestor Espinosa in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is double distilled, first in stainless steel and then refined in copper pot stills, from naturally fermented agave, and is hand-bottled. Production involves steam autoclave cooking, a shredding mill, natural yeast fermentation in open stainless vats, double distillation and hand-bottling. The extended rest reputedly tames the smoke into something closer to fine whiskey, with notes of nuts, caramel and chocolate, while copper-pot refinement keeps an agave spine. The aroma is smoky and sweet with nuts, caramel and chocolate, followed by a complex palate of caramel, oak and a whisper of spices over the smoke, and a long, delicate, complex finish.