Montelobos Ensamble Mezcal (75cl, 45.3%)

A multi-agave mezcal from Montelobos, distilled by mezcalero Aarón Alva at Palenque de Tentzo in San Nicolás Huajuapan, Puebla. The blend is built from approximately 53% agave Cupreata and 35% maguey Espadín, with the remaining portion from the tails of the Montelobos Tobalá distillation run. Piñas are roasted in an underground fire pit lined with volcanic stone for five to seven days, then processed through a mechanical shredder mill. Fermentation takes place in open-air pine vats before double distillation in copper pot stills. The nose brings smoke, roasted root vegetables, dehydrated pineapple, dry hay, aged leather and salted caramel. The palate shows cooked quince, candied citrus peel, capers, nutmeg, mango, pink pepper and salinity. The finish lingers with leather, warm spice and faint candied strawberry.