Rey Campero Sierra Negra Mezcal (70cl, 48%)

This is an artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca, handcrafted by Maestro Mezcalero Romulo Sánchez Parada in the Sierra Sur mountains. It is made from 100% wild Sierra Negra agave, harvested after 12 to 15 years of growth. The agave hearts are roasted in an earthen pit, crushed by horse-drawn tahona and fermented naturally in open-air wooden vats. It is distilled twice in copper pot stills and bottled at 48% without additives or dilution. The nose is roasted agave, earth and campfire smoke with cacao, wet stone and citrus peel. The palate moves from sweet agave and charred wood to dark chocolate, pepper and a touch of salinity. The finish is long and smoky.