Rey Campero Jabali Mezcal (70cl, 48%)

Rey Campero Jabali is an artisanal mezcal made by maestro mezcalero Romulo Sánchez Parada in Candelaria Yegolé, Oaxaca. It is made from wild Jabalí agave (Agave convallis), harvested after 12 to 14 years of growth. The agave hearts are roasted in underground conical pits, crushed by horse-drawn tahona and fermented with wild yeasts in open-air wooden vats. The spirit is distilled three times in small copper pot stills. Jabalí is known for a foamy, unpredictable fermentation. The nose is herbal and citrusy, with roasted agave, light smoke, tropical fruit and minerality. On the palate come pineapple, green pepper and floral honey over earthy agave and savoury smoke, with a hint of spice. The finish is long, smoky and slightly saline.