Montelobos Tobalá Mezcal (70cl, 46.5%)

Montelobos Tobalá is a mezcal made entirely from wild Tobalá agave, Agave potatorum, grown at altitude in Puebla. It was created by Dr Iván Saldaña and is made in small batches. The piñas are roasted in underground volcanic stone pits, crushed by tahona, fermented naturally in open wooden vats and distilled twice in small copper stills. The nose brings roasted agave, honeycomb and dried herbs with light smoke and floral notes. On the palate it is silky, with caramelised agave, nuts and gentle spice over earthy minerality and a little wood smoke. The finish is long, with honeyed agave, fresh pepper and soft smoke.