Mezcal Mayalen Machetazo Salmiana (75cl, 46%)

A mezcal made entirely from wild Salmiana agave, produced by mezcalero Juan Manuel Pérez in Charcas, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, at about 6,617 feet above sea level. The agave grows in the arid, high-altitude central highlands and takes seven to eight years to mature. Instead of underground pit ovens, the agave is cooked by vaporisation in gravity-fed, above-ground ovens, then crushed by tahona, fermented in masonry-stone tubs and single-distilled in a copper bell still. This leaves the spirit notably free of smoky character. It is smooth and easy, with green pepper, grassy and vegetal notes, and an absence of smoke. There are also dairy, strong parmesan, mint and sugar, and some find it better than average at a great price point.