Mezcal Unión El Viejo (75cl, 45%)

Mezcal Unión El Viejo is a joven mezcal from San Baltazar Guelavila, Oaxaca, made by maestro mezcalero Pedro Hernández. It blends wild Tobalá with cultivated Espadín, crushed by tahona and distilled in copper alembic stills. The name refers to the mature wild agave, gathered from hillsides and aged 8 to 14 years before harvest, rather than to barrel ageing. Bottled at 45% ABV in a 750 ml bottle, it is unaged, so the character comes from the agave, the roast and the stills. The nose brings butter and floral notes over clean smoke, the palate mint and pine herbs with a stony mineral core, and the finish clean smoke with agave sweetness.