Montelobos Ensamble Mezcal (70cl, 45.3%)

This is an ensamble mezcal from Montelobos, made in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, and bottled at 45.3% vol. in a 70cl bottle. It blends three wild agaves: Espadín, Tobalá and Papalote, created by agave expert Dr. Iván Saldaña. The agaves are roasted in underground stone ovens, milled with a tahona, fermented naturally in open wooden vats and double-distilled in copper stills. Espadín gives structure, Tobalá sweetness and Papalote herbal depth. The nose offers roasted agave, pine, pepper, dried herbs and faint smoke. The palate is silky and rich, with sweet agave, cocoa, fresh herbs and minerality. The finish is long, with citrus, smoke and a touch of wild honey.