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Aguas Mansas Espadin Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$129. 99
Bottle
$1559.88 Dozen

ABV: 45%

Maestro Mezcalero, Juan Hernández produces this Espadin based mezcal in Santiago Matatlán. The magueys are cooked in an underground oven, milled with a traditional tahona, fermented in wood and double distilled in a copper still in small batches equating to around 400 bottles. Aromas include sage, smoked rosemary and citrus grapefruit with a fresh yet smokey profile that's also balanced and elegant. 45% Alc./Vol.

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Aguas Mansas Cuishe Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$225. 00
Bottle
$2700.00 Dozen

ABV: 45%

The wild Maguey cuishe (or cuixe) grows in a cylindrical, stalk-shaped piña, with spreading leaves. It’s often slightly smaller than Maguey madre-cuishe, and yields intensely flavoured mezcals noted for their mineral and spice notes. Depending on its locality, 'cuish' could refer to slightly different varieties, varying in colour, size and shape.

Sourcing magueys from the arid areas of the Tehuacán Valley and the Central Valleys, Maestro Mezcalero, Juan Hernández, produces this expression in tiny batches. In this case, around 60 bottles. 45% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.

Notes from the producer... AROMA: The nose is earthy, with deep notes of wild herbs and wet earth. TASTE: Intense flavours of rosemary, thyme and cloves.

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Aguas Mansas Tobala Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$225. 00
Bottle
$2700.00 Dozen

ABV: 45%

Considered the 'truffle' of the agave world, the Tobala maguey is found growing naturally only in the highest altitude canyons in the shade of oak trees. Its form is different than the maguey Espadin (sword) or maguey Azul (blue). It is smaller and broader leafed. It takes about eight Tobala piñas (agave hearts) to equal one piña from either of the more commonly propagated and cultivated Magueys. Production is limited, being careful to never over harvest the Tobala and allow mother nature to continue a supply. Maestro Mezcalero, Juan Hernández, produces his expression in tiny batches. In this case, around 60 bottles.

Notes from the producers... Powerful in aroma with a deep smoky character including wild herbs and straw. The palate has dairy-like aromas and flavours as well as macadamia and anise notes. 45% Alc./Vol.

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- 92
Corte Vetusto Espadin Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$120. 00
Bottle
$1440.00 Dozen

ABV: 45%

This fruity, sweet and smokey expression is the most approachable of the Corte Vetusto range, drawing some comparison with medium-ester Jamaican rums. Bold flavours hint at stewed pears, potpourri, brine, white pepper and trail off with suggestions of rubber and wood smoke. It's sleek, supple and accessible, without lacking concentration or character. 45% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 15ml sample.
Other reviews... Wine & Spirit Competition 2017 Gold Medal

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- 94
Corte Vetusto Tobala Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$175. 00
Bottle
$2100.00 Dozen

ABV: 44%

Lower in alcohol than Vetusto's 'Ancestral' but equally concentrated, this expression introduces a subtle fruity element to the profile evoking semi-ripe pears and hints of unripe pineapple. Also on the earthy, drier side, the finish adds wood smoke, terpenic, resiny notes as well as complexing touches of white pepper, rubber and spent candle wick. Typically exotic for the Tobala variety, it should appeal to those chasing Mezcals that are 'off the beaten track'. 44% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 15ml sample.

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- 94
Corte Vetusto Ancestral Single Agave Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$275. 00
Bottle
$3300.00 Dozen

ABV: 49%

The name Corte Vetusto translates as "Ancient Cut" and comes from an old story about a Master Mezcalero’s desire to create a mezcal so divine that it invoked the spirit of generations before him. The brand currently makes three different Mezcals. Tasted from a 15ml sample, the 'Ancestral' offers an intense and ashy experience that builds with oily, mouth-filling flavours of resin, pine needles, smoked herbs, char grilled vegetables, peppercorns and bicycle tube with mineral and smoke lingering in a drying, roasted agave finish. Produced from Mexicano agaves, sourced from Sonura south to Oaxaca, mostly in the foothills, the varieties used under this label are subject to change. 49% Alc./Vol.

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Cuentacuentos Espadin Ancestral (Miguel Angel Cruz Rios) Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$179. 00
Bottle
$2148.00 Dozen

ABV: 46.22%

Cuentacuentos curates small-batch traditional mezcals from producers across the state of Oaxaca releasing their first expressions in 2018. The logo and bottle artwork (by artist Cesar Ruiz Conseco) features an opossum named 'El Viejito', the little old man opposum who stole mezcal from the demons as a service to humanity. He ranks with the jaguar, eagle, and burro in importance in Zapotec, Taina, and Mexican mythologies. It reflects the company motto that "Mezcal brings people together, stories make us friends."

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- 93
El Caballito Cerrero Blanco 46 Chato Agave Spirit (750ml)

Amatitan, MEXICO

$145. 00
Bottle
$1740.00 Dozen

ABV: 46%

The Caballito Cerrero (“The one that doesn`t need horseshoes”) was created in 1950, by Don Alfonso Jimenez Rosales after he separated from Tequila Herradura, a company of which he was a founding partner. Establishing it in the Santa Rita factory built in 1873 by his father-in-law, Maximiano Hernandez Orozco, his son Claudio continued to produce tequila Caballito Cerrero until his death. It was not until 2018 that his descendants (the 15th generation of “vino mezcal” producers) took the decision to produce "Caballito Cerrero" as a standalone agave distillate, distinct from tequila and mezcal. The family ceased calling their product tequila, in defiance of the industrialization of the category, and as a mark of respect to the agave distillation traditions within the Amatitán region. The Jimenez family use only mature agaves, including both Azul, or Blue Weber (A. tequilana) and other varieties such as Chato (A. angustifolia), just as their ancestors have for fifteen generations. Caballito Cerrero remains a tiny distillery but one that has consistently been regarded as one of Mexico's finest. The relative elusiveness of their products has given them a 'cult' status among aficionados worldwide.

This expression employs the rare but traditional agave varietal "Chato" (Angustifolia). This squat agave is not uncommon in the valley around Guadalajara and would have been used in distilleries to produce spirit prior to the tequila "normas" being established in the middle of the 20th century. Chato's character is generally described as more vegetal than the Blue Weber. Here the aroma opens like an Anejo Tequila, hinting at honeycomb and caramel with air contact revealing more green agave character as well as hints of papaya. It's light to medium bodied, silky and graceful with low-key waxy, briney flavours followed by fruit bread; There's a resemblance to a fine barrel aged grappa, but it gets more distinctively agave-like through the aftertaste. The result is a fascinating glimpse into what the spirit of Mexico might have tasted like two or three hundred years ago. 46% Alc./Vol.

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- 93
Ilegal 100% Agave Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$110. 00
Bottle
$1320.00 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Closure: Cork

Named by bar proprietor, John Rexer, in reference to his efforts at smuggling the product to his Bohemian Tequila / Mezcal Bar, Cafe No Se, in Antigua, Guatemala (he was unable to import his product into the United States using the illegal name "Ilegal"). These mezcals are produced in a traditional manner using Agave Espadin, baked in a conical earth pit, using both mesquite and eucalyptus wood. The cooked Agave is then crushed by a millstone and fermented. Double distillation takes place in small, alembic copper stills. Some sediment may be apparent as a result of the handcrafted production process. We received a small sample of LOT 02. Clear, silvery appearance with some light sediment floating in the glass. Sweet, herbal, potpourri-like scents follow with smoldering green wood and hints of vinyl. Semi sweet flavours of brine, eucalyptus leaf and lavender in an oily, silky Mezcal; Ends dry with a delicate green peppercorn fade. 40% Alc./Vol.

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- 93
- ABV may vary
Koch El Mezcal Ancestral Maguey Espadin Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$129. 99
Bottle
$1559.88 Dozen

ABV: 47.1%

Compared to the 'Artisinal' designation, the rules are much stricter when it comes to the production of 'Ancestral' mezcals. Agaves must be cooked using underground pit ovens. Stones and, if preferred, wet agave fibres are included before the agave hearts are added and the pit is covered. Once cooked, the agaves can be crushed either using the Tahona method or with mallets by hand, with the latter regarded by many as the ultimate craft approach (as is the case with Koch). The resulting must of agave juice and bagasse is required to be spontaneously fermented in open-air wooden vats, although stone, clay or animal skin can also be used. Distillation should include the fibre of the agave, not just the juice, and can only be done in traditional wood-fired clay pot stills. The clay is said to contribute an earthiness to the spirit. Koch use 7-9 year old Espadin agaves (A. Angustifolia) for this expression. The nose offers sweet notes of mustard pickle and brine followed by earthy smoke and dried herbs, as well as vinyl and pencil eraser over hints of unripe pineapple. On entry there's a quasi-industrial character (think sump oil or lanolin) before turning vegetal and drying; Green tomato and white pepper come through the smokey, citrussy finish. Understated and nicely textural. 47.1% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... This is a Gem. I’ve visited the palenque of Don Alberto in early January 2018, his work is simply astonishing. The molienda by hand and the banana leaves he puts over his fermentation casks bring a truly special feeling to his art. Not to mention the Olla de Barros which he has always been working with. They bring this clay like feeling on the palate that I’ve never ever tasted so vividly in another Mezcal. The sharpness and freshness of the Espadin is ever present and the length to it make it a very nice tasting Mezcal. Small batch and pure love into the production couldn’t give anything other than excellence. Must try. - mezcalreviews.com

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- 94
- ABV may vary
Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Madrecuishe Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$129. 99
Bottle
$1559.88 Dozen

ABV: 46.06%

Made by Pedro Hernandez in San Baltazar using twelve year old wild Madrecuishe magueys. Their dense core and low water content is said to result in mezcals with fresh vegetal and floral notes. This expression presents a cleaner, more contemporary style; Agave focussed aromas are pure, sweet and sedate. Everything feels in its place in a superb integration of balsa wood and capsicum-like flavours meshed with low-key fruitiness. Herbaceous, green chillie and menthol tobacco notes rally at the finish. This feels like a compendium of all things Mezcal rolled into a single, elegant unison. 46.06% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Aromatics: Persistent wetness that reminds us of mushrooms in the beginning, leading to fresh spearmint and lemon grass. Finish of dry almonds and sweet pine nuts. On the palate: Medium-bodied with clean prune flavor. Harmonious flavors of sweet cucumber, nopal-cactus and baby arugula leaves. At the end hints of cured meat and pickling flavors, and a light note of eucalyptus in the aftertaste.

Delivery Information
- 93
Madre Mezcal Ensamble (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$135. 00
Bottle
$1620.00 Dozen

ABV: 45%

Have you heard the one about the foreigner who went to Mexico and ‘discovered’ Mezcal? Probably, and more than once. Which is why Chris Stephenson is a bit put out. He felt that no sooner had Madre taken off in the United States, much of the narrative around the spirit focussed the story on himself and his co-founders. He responded by printing the name of the producer of Madre’s principal Mezcal, Ensamble, on its front label. Jose Ines Garcia Morales and his family have made Mezcal in their beautiful valley outside San Dionisio, Oaxaca, for generations. He is the nephew of Alberto ‘Beto’ Morales, of the respected Wahaka palenque, and his small operation is the definition of an artisanal craft distillery. Jose’s father and brothers lift and cut the agaves, his mother blesses the agave hearts before roasting, his wife plants new agaves on the land, and an extended group of uncles and cousins oversee the hours of distillation. Drawing on the work of his father and grandfather before him, his palenque is certified Artesanal, meaning agave piñas are traditionally roasted in fire pits for up to five days and crushed using a horse-drawn tahona (stone wheel). Fermentation occurs outside in tinas (or oak vats) relying only on the microbe-rich airborne yeasts. The final process is double-distillation in two small wood-fired, heirloom copper stills.
Ensamble is Madre’s centrepiece. It’s a blend of Espadin and the rare, wild agave, Cuishe, which only counts for 1-2% of agave species. The lion’s share of the blend is crafted by Jose Ines Garcia Morales and his family in San Dionisio, with a little Cuishe supplied from the Vazquez palenque in Miahuatlán. Agave Cuishe is part of the slow-ripening Karwinskii family, which also includes the Cirial and Tobasiche varieties. Due to the agave’s dense core and low water content, Mezcal made from Cuishe has a slightly tropical and earthy tone. This is picked up during the cooking; the piña is long and thin, increasing the surface area for the roasting process. As, unusually, the stalk and the piña are harvested and roasted together, Mezcal from the Karwinskii family is often said to have a firmer structure. As wild agave is a dwindling resource, for every plant harvested Madre replants it two-fold.
A departure from overtly smoky expressions, the blend of sweet Espadin and piquant Cuishe is designed to be a perfect first taste for a new Mezcal drinker, as well as a great everyday sipper for the Mezcal aficionado. Not only less smokey than Madre's 100% 'Espadin' bottling, the nose is also more shy being vaguely fruity with hints of mustard pickle and green olive brine. Superbly integrated flavours unfold with dry, ashy notes, suggestions of potpourri and mineral followed by a sappy, resinous character and a peppery finish. The mouthfeel is pure, elegant, supple and borderline juicy while the aftertaste has solid length. Each small batch release is bottled in recycled glass and hand numbered. 45% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... “This Ensamble is made using Espadín and Cuishe agave, and serves rich tropical fruit and bonfire smoke notes that flow from nose to palate. Its alcohol content ups the intensity of those aromas and flavors, delivering a well-balanced experience and an approachable introduction to the category.” Vinepair (15 best Mezcal brands and best Mezcals for sipping 2022)

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- 92
Madre Mezcal Espadin (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$120. 00
Bottle
$1440.00 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Using Espadins sourced from multiple villages across Oaxaca, each chosen for its distinct site-driven profile, Madre's blend allows Espadin’s full spectrum of flavour to shine. The heart of the Mezcal comes from the palenque of Carlos Blas, based in Matatlán, whose family started making Mezcal in the 1930s. Carlos works with several growers in the region, and his artisanal distillery honours the traditional methods practiced in the area for centuries. Yet, from wherever the Espadin is sourced, Madre pays top dollar for only the ripest and highest quality juice available. Bottled in recycled glass, it’s a smooth, light to medium-bodied Mezcal with evocative hints of olive brine, bicycle tube and modeling glue balancing fruitier notes of semi-ripe pear and apple with a touch of lemon. On the palate, Espadin’s herbal and citrus flavours lead into a green-grassy kind of smokiness and a lingering, delicately earthy, white pepper laced finish. It doesn't lack flavour, even at 40%, but it's so soft you can easily sip it on its own. Alternatively, use it to upscale tequila-based cocktails.
Other reviews... There’s a ripe, rich fruitiness to this 100% espadin mezcal that makes it a fun swap for classic cocktails, like a Jack Rose or a boozy, stirred Negroni. Clocking in at an easy 40% ABV, it’s also a great gateway for the uninitiated. - Masterful Mezcals, Amy Zavatto, New York Post

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- 94
- Packaging may vary
Mezcal Verde Amaras Momento Organic Blanco Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$94. 99
Bottle
$1139.88 Dozen

ABV: 42%

NOTE: THERE ARE 6 DIFFERENT LABEL DESIGNS FOR THIS PRODUCT. YOU WILL BE PROVIDED WITH ONE OF THE DESIGNS AT RANDOM.
Made from eight year old espadin agaves produced by Mezcalero, Doroteo Garcia in Tlacolula. The agaves are cooked in an underground oven using ocote, holm oak, and peppertree which give the mezcal a smokiness desirable for cocktails.
Tasting note: Clear. Vibrant, lifted aromas of tyre tube, smoldering eucalyptus and old parchment follow in a medium to full bodied attack with smokey, grassy, peppery flavours of char grill and brine. Ends chalky, drying, earthy and complex with rubber and roasted agave. An intense, evocative and spicy Mezcal that defies its ABV. 42% Alc./Vol.

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Mezcal Union Uno Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$105. 00
Bottle
$1260.00 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Mezcal's bubble shows no sign of bursting. As demand increases, so does the call for an entry-level option. Enter Union Uno: The brand has been hugely popular in the US and Mexico where it's garnered a reputation as the affordable, quality, go-to choice for mixing. You might be sceptical, as most attempts to hit a lower price-point in this category have come at the expense of both flavour and the equality of those who craft it. Taking a people-first approach to their treasured local drink, the young founders behind Mezcal Union set out to change all that. Even though Pedro Hernandez is the Master Mezcalero, each bottle is produced by a group of local families - hence the brand's name. To date, the Union has brought together more than 50 families across 20 palenques, offering them all a fair-trade business model and a path to social and economic development.
Union's Joven expression is produced in San Baltazar Guelavila using farm-grown Espadin and wild Cirial magueys roasted for four days. Resulting in a combination of earthy, herbal and citrus notes, Uno starts out with soft layers of sweet citrus and panna cotta before moving toward archetypal Espadín notes of roasted tropical fruit combined with a little salinity and a hint of pepper. The level of smokiness is spot-on, confidently present without overwhelming. There's also an edge of citrus peel and a twist of green herbs in the mix- echoes of the wild Cirial. Perfectly primed for mixing, it's a great, well-priced Mezcal to have in the drinks cabinet.
Other reviews... The ripe, fruity style of this mezcal lends itself to making margarita variations and other cocktails. Look for tropical fruit flavors like lychee and banana, and a mild note of jalapeño on the finish. 92 points - wineenthusiast.com
...Made from agave espadin and cirial, plants ranging from 8 to 14 years old. Quite smeet and classically smoky on the nose, heavy with citrus notes. The palate offers few surprises, with notes of smoky barbecue sauce, black pepper, and smoked beef notes. There’s an edge of citrus peel and a tough of green herbs in the mix. The finish is fairly short, finding lingering smoke and a slight saline character. Soft and easygoing, it’s a wholly approachable mezcal, though not one heavy with complexity. B+ - drinkhacker.com
...Excellent value for the price point. This mezcal is commonly used in bars for mixing. It has a good smokey, medicinal, vanilla and sweet flavor to it. It’s not as complex as other top shelf mezcals, but it’s pretty good. This would make an excellent entry level Mezcal for those who want to differentiate from tequila. I tried this in a bar margarita and thought it was really good and expected it to be more expensive. Overall I’m impressed and I plan on keeping a bottle around for mixing. - mezcalreviews.com
Silver medal at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

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Mezcal Vago Espadin Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$150. 00
Bottle
$1800.00 Dozen

ABV: 50.1%

Espadín is widely grown for its high sugar content and ease of cultivation. Expect a good balance of citrus and smoke in this punchy example from maestro mezcalero Aquilino Garcia Lopez.
Other reviews.... Awarded Double Gold, Best in Class & the coveted “Best Mezcal” at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
...Explosive, expressive aromatics in very clean, bright, easy-drinking spirit, this Espadin leads with guava, tomato leaf, Thai basil and fresh turmeric root. The palate is sappy and fresh, full of sandalwood, lavender and mixed garden cuttings. Very well-balanced. The texture is easy-going and refined, but the finish does leave one with a subtle impression of alcohol and not much else." 89.5 points - distiller.com

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- 95
- ABV may vary
Mezcal Vago Elote Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$159. 99
Bottle
$1919.88 Dozen

Tasting note: [49.9.% ABV batch tasted from a 20ml sample] Made by Aquilino García López at his palenque in Candelaria Yegolé, Oaxaca. Garcia infuses the first and second distillation with toasted corn from his own farm which "smooths the edges off the Espadin" and adds a gentle sweetness. Complex and classic with smokey Mezcal aromas of tyre rubber, oil rag, baked citrus, brine and plantain, this shows fabulous balance in a high ABV, creamy attack, ending oily, peppery with tobacco ash, wax and impressive length. Approx. 1000 bottles produced.
Other reviews... that roasted corn definitely shines through on the nose and palate. Mesquite and dust on the nose, with some cheese funk and mint hiding among the corn notes. More corn on the palate with leather, dirt, and cotija cheese. Funky and delicious. Aquilino was a master for sure. Descansa en paz Aquilino. 4/5 stars - mezcalreviews.com

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Montelobos Ensamble Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$159. 99
Bottle
$1919.88 Dozen

ABV: 45.3%

Popular in its homeland, Montelobos Mezcal has ties to William Grant & Sons of Scotch whisky fame. Iván Saldaña, a respected agave academic with a background in molecular plant biology founded the distillery in Santiago Matatlán in 2012. Sourcing organically certified Espadin agaves, Saldaña has paired his talents with Mezcalero, Don Abel Lopez. Both share a passion for artisanal mezcal respecting traditional production methods (roasting agaves in a volcanic stone pit, crushing with a tahona and natural ferments), as well as a concern for sustainability and the quality of life in the communities and families who have produced mezcal for generations.
The brand name translates as "mountain of wolves" and the venture is yet another Mexican operation to have caught the attention of multi-national corporations. In 2019 it was acquired by Campari. The acquisition also included Ancho Reyes chili liqueur. The Ensamble is produced from multiple agave varieties, including Papalote, contributing pink pepper, honey and chamomile notes, with a smokey character derived from Espadin (agave Angustifolia) and dried fruit notes from Tobala. The mezcal comes in an impressive rectangular decanter with a premium-look stopper. 45.3% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Clear color. Aromas of sweet tea, gunpowder, grilled green apple, rubber, bacon, orange peel, and pineapple chutney with a supple, crisp, dry medium body and a warming, interesting, long latex and spiced parsnips finish. A curious and concentrated Blanco Mezcal for celebrating and cocktailing. 94 points - tastings.com
...Montelobos calls its ensamble the “most bold, sharp, and intense” of its expressions, and that’s more or less accurate. The nose hits quickly but not harshly with smoke, and there’s a strong vegetal note, more root vegetable than green. (Radish might be accurate here.) There’s also a strong hint of tea at the end of the nose, leaving the first impression sweeter than the two prior expressions. On the tongue, there’s a stronger smoke character, but also sweetness with caramel and candied citrus peel. The finish is sharp and thick, with both heavy cream and nutmeg, further emphasizing that sweetness on the palate. That same finish, however, vanishes a moment too soon. Enjoyable and just barely too fleeting at the end, the ensamble gives drinkers lots to pick through and dissect. - drinkhacker.com
Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022

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- Nick's Import
Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$114. 99
Bottle
$1379.88 Dozen

ABV: 43.2%

Popular in its homeland, Montelobos Mezcal has ties to William Grant & Sons, of Scotch whisky fame. Iván Saldaña, a respected agave academic with a background in molecular plant biology founded the distillery in Santiago Matatlán in 2012. Sourcing organically certified Espadin agaves, Saldaña has paired his talents with Mezcalero, Don Abel Lopez. Both share a passion for artisanal mezcal respecting traditional production methods (roasting agaves in a volcanic stone pit, crushing with a tahona and natural ferments), as well as a concern for sustainability and the quality of life in the communities and families who have produced mezcal for generations.

'Montelobos' which translates as "mountain of wolves" is yet another Mexican operation to have caught the attention of multi national corporations, and in 2019 it was acquired by Campari. The acquisition also included Ancho Reyes chili liqueur.

Other reviews... "The nose is fairly straight-forward with abundant notes of smoked meats and brine. The palate is where things get more interesting; flavors of lemon zest, salt, grilled rosemary and ash are detected. Overall, this is an enjoyable mezcal and at this price point, one that is very suitable for a cocktail." - distiller.com

5 Stars - diffordsguide.com

Delivery Information
- 95
QuiQuiRiQui Mexicano Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$175. 00
Bottle
$2100.00 Dozen

ABV: 47%

In some regions agave 'Mexicano' is also known as 'Dobadaan' (its local name in Zapotec). The Mexicano variety grows from Sonura south to Oaxaca, mostly in the foothills. Drinking mezcal made with Mexicano is a unique experience. Though exact numbers are unknown, some speculate that there are seven or more sub-varieties of Mexicano—inc. Mexicano Penca Larga, Mexicano Penca Corta, Mexicano Liso, Chontal and Amarillo Grande—with each yielding different characteristics.
Using ten-year-old wild and semi-wild agave grown within an hours drive of the palenque, QQRQ’s Mexicano is crafted in Santiago Matatlán by Carlos Méndez, the sixth-generation Mezcalero behind QQRQ’s house mezcal. A passionate advocate of sustainability, Méndez collects wild seeds from the hills, cultivating and nurturing them in safe conditions before reintroducing these plants to the wild.
Tasting note: Clear. Soft, semi sweet aromas opening with varnish, tyre tube, unripe pineapple and green wood developing to dark chocolate and mesquite smoke. Incredibly accessible for the ABV, delivering off-dry, oily flavours suggesting smoldering mesquite, green banana, rubber and light fusel notes followed by a drying, minerally, charry agave finish. Arguably the smokiest of the collection. Super complex. 47% Alc./Vol.

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- 95
QuiQuiRiQui Madrecuishe Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$180. 00
Bottle
$2160.00 Dozen

ABV: 47%

The Madrecuishe agave is part of the Karwinskii family, which also includes agave Cuishe, Cirial, and Tobasiche. Harvested between 14-16 years old, it grows mostly in the drier climates of Oaxaca, and typically takes a tall, cylindrical form. Due to the agave's dense core and low water content, mezcal made from Madrecuishe typically has high minerality and freshness with vegetal and floral notes.
QQRQ's Madrecuishe is made by Maestro Mezcalero Natalio Vazquez at his palenque in El Palmar. Agaves are sourced from both wild and semi-wild plantations in Sitio El Palmar, San Luis Amatlán and Miahuatlán. Semi-wild means that wild seeds are sowed in community or private fields and when transplanted, left to grow, as in the wild. True wild agaves are increasingly scarce and Symonds feels replanting wild seeds represents a more responsible way to enjoy these rarer types of agave. To this end QQRQ re-sow ten times as many seeds as agaves used in their Mezcals.
Tasting note: Clear. Oily and dense with a briney / fruity / waxy / dried herb opening sniff. Drifts lazily from the glass. Air contact loses no definition or intensity adding hints of menthol tobacco, white pepper, char grilled pineapple and dried fruits. A medium sweet, light to medium bodied mezcal with Islay-esque flavours of grilled citrus, tyre tube, wood smoke and a brisk, minerally finish. Elegant and remarkably balanced. The bouquet is first class. 47% Alc./Vol.

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- 96
QuiQuiRiQui Destilado con Mole Pechuga Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$160. 00
Bottle
$1920.00 Dozen

ABV: 50%

Mezcal de pechuga (pechuga translates to ‘breast’ in Spanish) is made when a finished mezcal is redistilled with local fruits, grains and nuts, and a raw piece of protein (typically a chicken) is hung over the still, cooking in the emanating vapors. Traditionally, this is a style of mezcal produced for special occasions and consumed locally—there are as many different versions as there are distilleries. QQRQ’s stunning, vegetarian-friendly recipe trades the poultry for a homemade mole paste. This paste is made to a traditional recipe by the Méndez family in Santiago Matatlán and includes chile Guajillo, chile Ancho, sesame seeds, almonds, peanuts, garlic, onion, raisins, bananas and cacao. It’s thought to be the first commercial release of its kind.
Carlos Méndez uses the QQRQ Espadin agave as the base. Following the second distillation, the mole paste is added and the spirit is rested to infuse for two weeks before a final, third distillation.
Tasting note: Clear. Unadulterated and penetrating whiffs include sweet, sappy, herbal, rubbery aromas with a smokey/saline edge. Intense and engaging in an oily wave of char-grilled capsicum, spent pipe tobacco, exotic agave and white pepper flavours. The finish is vaguely fruity, sweet and grassy with lingering wood smoke. Potent and beautifully balanced. 50% Alc./Vol.

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- 94
QuiQuiRiQui Espadin Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$115. 00
Bottle
$1380.00 Dozen

ABV: 45%

After visiting Oaxaca in 2011 and falling head over heels for Mezcal, English hospitality veteran, Melanie Symonds, established her now legendary pop-up mezcaleria in East London. Within 12 months, Symonds had returned to Oaxaca to establish her own boutique-sized, Mezcal label, QuiQuiRiQui. Pronounced Kee-Kee-Ree-Kee, the name is Spanish for the cockerel’s call: “cock-a-doodle-doo”.
Symonds partnered directly with two families who had been forging single estate (Palenque) Mezcal in their communities for generations. The Joven is made in Santiago Matatlán (Mezcal’s unofficial capital) by the sixth generation of the Méndez family. Don Zósimo was the Master Mezcalero behind QQRQ’s first batches; today the harvesting is the responsibility of his grandson, Carlos.
Tasting note: Made from 100% Espadín agave. Crystal clear. Expressive and distinctively mezcal: Whiffs of tyre tube, potpourri, char grill and sappy / green wood-like notes. Full bodied, with oily, vibrant, earthy, smokey flavours of white pepper, rubber, char, beeswax and sappy agave. Light spirit burn. Ends medium long. Higher than normal ABV works in its favour. 45% Alc./Vol.

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- 95
Tres Tribus Ensamble Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$119. 99
Bottle
$1439.88 Dozen

ABV: 44%

A small batch mezcal hand-crafted by fifth generation Mezcalero, Juan Antonio Coronel and named after the three tribes of Oaxaca. 'Ensamble' simply means it's made from a combination of agaves rather than a single variety. Because Coronel insists on traditional methods, his agaves are allowed to grow for years, sometimes decades, until they're fully mature. In this case, the blend includes wild Salmiana ranging from 15 up to 35 years old, wild Jabalí averaging between 10 and 15 years old, and farmed Espadins harvested at around 8 years. The agave hearts are roasted according to traditional methods. Local water combined with wild yeasts kick start the week-long fermentation in clay jars. Distillation takes place in a still designed and hand-built by Coronel using copper and local elements from the region. He also has a replanting program that replenishes agave harvested in the wild as well as trees used in the production process; For every wild agave he cuts, he replants four new ones. Coronel's 'Ensamble' opens with soft, approachable scents developing a sweet, earthy edge suggesting wet clay, lucerne mulch, dried thyme and white pepper. Those notes are echoed by beautifully integrated flavours in an oily-yet-tangy, agave driven mid-palate that gives way to mesquite smoke, white chocolate and hints of bicycle tube, trailing off in a fruity, pepper and brine finish. It's a terrific assemblage to enjoy on its own, but one that should also make a strong contribution to cocktails. 44% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Alluring notes of jasmine, mango and honey with a delicate minerality. The mid-palate of cooked agave showcases a toasty elegance as well as hints of stone fruit with a long finish of citrus and earthy flavors. Fantastic sipped alongside fresh and zingy food, it'll also make a great Mezcal Manhattan.

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- 95
Tres Tribus Cuishe Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$154. 99
Bottle
$1859.88 Dozen

ABV: 44%

Besides his 'Ensemble' expression, Mezcalero, Juan Antonio Coronel releases single variety Mezcals made from Tobalá, Espadin and Cuishe. The latter comes from agaves ranging from 10 to 25 years old, traditionally cooked with oak chips and then naturally fermented in wooden vats underground with wild yeast and spring water from the San Pedro Tidaá spring. Distillation takes place in a still designed and hand-built by Coronel using copper and local elements from the region. He also has a replanting program that replenishes agave harvested in the wild as well as trees used in the production process; For every wild agave he cuts, he replants four new ones. As for the flavour? Wild cuishe (or cuixe) typically yields intense mezcals noted for their mineral and spice notes. This one takes a slightly different trajectory. The aromas of moist earth and farmyard are similar to some peated whiskies while later inhalations find uncanny whiffs of blue cheese. The delivery is superbly soft, deep, oily and just plain delectable for mezcal as sweet, gently smoked flavours lead into blue vein cheese, dried pineapple, salted dark chocolate and mineral, rounding off ashy and dry with charred-agave complexity. If you are looking for an exotic new take on traditional Mezcal, try this. 44% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... a distinct flavor profile that includes elegant herbal notes of rosemary, as well as hints of vanilla and cinnamon along with tangy blue cheese.

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- 93
Amores Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 37%

Tasting note: [2013 bottling tasted] Crystal clear with powerful aromas redolent of brine, car tyre, sump oil and wet wool. Water-like entry develops into a nicely rounded, smokey liquorice, burnt herb and solvent glue profile with hints of lanolin and smouldering eucalypt in the fade. Outstanding concentration and mid palate length at this relatively low abv. Complex and evocative. 37% Alc./Vol.

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- 95
Bruxo No.1 Espadin Joven Mezcal (500ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$69. 99
Bottle
$839.88 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Tasting note: Classic mezcal notes include smokey beeswax, new car tyre, vinyl, grilled pineapple, white pepper and hints of tabasco sauce. Lighter than the nose suggests, with a creamy profile of scorched pine, char-grilled vegetable, pineapple pudding, and a juicy finish that edges towards asparagus, rubber sole and smouldering eucalypt in the aftertaste. 40% Alc./Vol.

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- 93
Bruxo No.2 Pechuga de Maguey Joven Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$115. 00
Bottle
$1380.00 Dozen

ABV: 46%

Tasting note: Clear with a very pale straw tinge. Opening aromas of modelling glue, brine; Blows off to reveal powerful scents of dill pickle, salted lime, white pepper, smouldering green wood and spent candlewax. Manages to harmonise disparate flavours of sappy agave, pineapple husk, rubber band and menthol in a delicious briny attack - only to pull up short. 46% Alc./Vol.

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- 95
Bruxo No.3 Barril Joven Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$130. 00
Bottle
$1560.00 Dozen

ABV: 46%

Tasting note: Waxy, sappy aromas include peppercorns, cedar wood and whiffs of menthol cigarette. Later passes add buttered fruit bread, smouldering pine and peppered pineapple. Lean and sappy in the mouth with flavours of cedar, pepper and salt; delicately bitter to finish as sage, curry leaf, green wood, drying cigar box and tobacco notes carry the aftertaste. Great stuff. 46% Alc./Vol.

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- 95
Bruxo No.4 Espadin Baril Cuishe Ensamble Joven Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$120. 00
Bottle
$1440.00 Dozen

ABV: 46%

Tasting note: Pungent green vegetal / crushed chile / beeswax opening sniffs. Lighter and sweeter in later passes with pineapple husk, lucerne bail and sappy agave. Nicely balanced with flavours of charred vegetable, matchbox, scorched herbs. Some atypical tarragon, (sauerkraut?) mineral and vanilla to finish. A tasty, dry, spicy style reminiscent of some young Islays. 46% Alc./Vol.

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- 94
Clase Azul Durango Joven Mezcal (700ml)

MEXICO

$399. 00
Bottle
$4788.00 Dozen

ABV: 44%

From a brand better known for tequila comes this amazing Mezcal - and for some afficionados, it's their absolute favourite. Produced in Durango from the Cenizo agave variety, which needs around 10-15 years to mature, this takes the heirloom spirit to new heights without compromising traditional practice. The agaves are milled by hand, rather than using a donkey and tahona, and the spirit is aged (or rested) for five years in glass demijohns before bottling.
The stunning decanter is made of a volcanic material and hand crafted, while the lid is made by Huichol artisans in a style called 'Chaquira' whereby all the beads are individually stuck on by hand. A must for any bar or collection.
Very limited stocks.
Tasting note: [10ml sample] Clear. Sweetly smokey with suggestions of smoldering cedar, menthol rub, peppercorns and bicycle tube. Silky, tactile and surprisingly elegant for mezcal, with a slow crescendo of smokey, ashy, oily agave flavours and a creamy-yet-fresh finish. Grilled capsicum, barbecue char, white pepper and rubber mingle in the medium long aftertaste. Complex and seamlessly integrated. 44% Alc./Vol.

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Cuentacuentos Espadin Ancestral (Angel Cruz Robles) Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$159. 00
Bottle
$1908.00 Dozen

ABV: 47.2%

Other reviews... Cuentacuentos Espadin Ancestral is produced by Ángel Cruz Robles at his small palenque which is hidden in the forest high in the Sierra Sur mountains outside of Sola de Vega, Oaxaca. Once harvested, the agave is cooked for 72 hours in a traditional underground horno and then milled by hand with a wooden mallet in a canoe. It is then naturally fermented in 8-9 days and doubled-distilled in clay pots. Spring water is used to adjust the spirit to approximately 48% ABV. His espadín is a good example of what technique can render from the commonly used agave Angustifolia. It is sweet, with a hint of vanilla and tree nuts. - mezcalreviews.com

Delivery Information
- 91
Delirio Joven Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$89. 99
Bottle
$1079.88 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Tasting note: Water clear appearance displays a glossy brilliance in the glass. Initial whiffs detect characteristic industrial aromas of car tyre and wet vinyl. Four minutes later finds little aromatic shift, with the overt rubberiness partly replaced by furniture wax and oil rag. Follows through on the palate which is off-dry, concentrated and reflecting the furniture wax / vinyl-like qualities, only now combining notes of green olive and brine to finish soft, spicy with a subtle, rubber, mineral, beeswax fade. 42% Alc./Vol.

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Derrumbes Michoacan Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$150. 00
Bottle
$1800.00 Dozen

ABV: 43.7%

One of six mezcals from renowned Maestro, Guadalupe Perez based in the village of Tzitzio. Derrumbes Michoacan is made with Cupreata magueys and Alto agaves. The first are said to contribute mature fruit aromas, while the latter bring herbal notes to the distillate. The production process is distinctive: Agaves are cooked in an underground stone pit using black oak and fermented in underground tanks lined with pine wood - also adding to the herbal character. True to the region's traditions, distillation takes place using the Phillipino method which predates copper-pot stills. This technique requires the body of the still to be made from wood, with the alcohol vapours condensed by a water-filled copper pot that sits at the top of the trunk. The still is direct flame fired. Distillate rests in large glass bottles for around sixty days before bottling. Expect a full-flavoured mezcal, with savoury wood smoke complemented by sweet fruit, vegetal notes and a refreshing minerality. 43.7% Alc./Vol.

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Don Amado Rustico Minero 100% Agave Espadin Mezcal (750ml)

MEXICO

$130. 00
Bottle
$1560.00 Dozen

ABV: 47%

Eleven generations of continual mezcal distillation culminate in Don Amado's Mezcal collection, each expression being made from earthen-roasted agave hearts which are, after crushing, fermented together with their piña fibers for a rich agave character. The mash is then double-distilled in small traditional ceramic clay pots. Aged varieties are matured in American oak casks previously used for barreling Domecq brandy.
Other reviews... Clear with a faint nickel cast. Rich smoky aromas of char-grilled pineapples, mangos and peppers with lots of herbs, tobacco and peppercorns with a scintillating, fruity medium-full body and a long, tactile, creme brulee, cigar white ash, and lava stone finish. A remarkable vibrant and flavorful mezcal with a unique, radiant texture. 47% Alc./Vol.
International Review of Spirits Award: Platinum Medal
RATING: 96 points (Superlative) - www.tastings.com

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- 93
Dona Natalia Joven Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$250. 00
Bottle
$3000.00 Dozen

ABV: 40%

One of the most unique agave spirits ever produced in Mexico. The distillery is owned and run by women and the workers are paid more than their male counterparts in the region - a cause of minor controversy. Produced from hand harvested, wild 'Durangesis Agave' grown in ancient volcanic soils, the Pina's are cooked with a gentle hint of mesquite wood smoke, fermented in red oak vats, double distilled and aged in white oak barrels. Beautifully presented and gift boxed.
Tasting note: Crystal clear. Elegant yet fresh with aromas of salted limes alongside deeper, resiny, sappy, woodsy notes – beeswax, green peppercorns, feijoa, dill pickle, brine – 2-3 minutes finds split pine, rose-wax… Entry is light bodied, velvet soft. Mid palate finds balanced astringency with white pepper and smokey agave. Cool mint and an almost ethereal lightness to the finish. 40% Alc./Vol.

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- 95
El Caballito Cerrero Blanco 46 Azul Agave Spirit (750ml)

Amatitan, MEXICO

$139. 99
Bottle
$1679.88 Dozen

ABV: 46%

Though not technically certified as either tequila or mezcal, this may be as close as you can get to the unique spirit that made ‘Vino de Mezcal de Tequila’ famous in the late 19th century. Employing 100% Agave Azul 'Agave tequilana', (aka 'Blue Weber', the only variety certified by the CRT for use in modern tequila), the agave hearts are cooked in the same brick ovens the family has used since 1873. Released only as a Plata (or Silver), under the designation 'Destilado de Agave', it smells like a tequila essence, offering dense, pure sappy, herbal-agave complexity, evolving with notes of dill pickle, peppercorns, crushed mustard seed and pineapple husk. Loaded with succulent fruity agave character, this dry, minerally medium bodied distillate finishes juicy, peppery, salivating and prolonged. In short, a first class spirit that's as delicious as it is historic. 46% Alc./Vol.

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Koch El Maquey Espadin Joven Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 45%

Grupo Koch emerged in 2009 as a project to promote and preserve the ancestral and artisanal processes of Mezcal. Based in San Baltazar Guélavila with production headed by mezcalero, Pedro Hernandez, the company collaborates with more than fifteen communities and over fifty producing families. For this expression, Espadin agaves are harvested at 7-9 years of age. Sometimes compared with mezcals at twice the price, numerous reviews endorse Koch's offerings as some of the finest values in the category. 45% Alc./Vol.

Delivery Information
- 95
- ABV may vary
Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Barril Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$129. 99
Bottle
$1559.88 Dozen

ABV: 47.06%

Made with 100% wild Barril magueys harvested at around twelve years old, Mezcalero Adrian Bautista in Rio de Ejutla employs a copper alembic with cooling and grinding plates for the distillation. A fresh, conifer-led bouquet runs the range of crushed pine buds, juniper and smouldering pine as well as fruity notes of papaya and plantain. Full, rich and rounded with nice agave definition and great mouthfeel, the profile here is reminiscent of smokey Highland malts. Pepper and sweet wood smoke persist through the tangy, oily, salty, tobacco-laced finish. 47.6% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Aromatics: Displays a complex nose of peach, green apple, fresh herbs, raisins, tropical fruits, and a sweet white wine undertone.On the palate: Full bodied with dark chocolate, cacao, and floral notes, with a hint of smoky flavors, roasted pineapple and white pepper, and a dry and short balanced persistence.

Delivery Information
- 94
- ABV may vary
Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Arroqueno Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$129. 99
Bottle
$1559.88 Dozen

ABV: 47.13%

Made using wild Arroqueno magueys (agave Americana) which typically take up to twenty years to mature. Sustainability has become an issue in the region, however, Maestro Adrian Bautista in Rio de Ejutla has a reputation for quality and value when it comes to harder-to-find varietals. Vaguely waxy / plasticine / wet clay-like aromas also evoke mustard pickles, poached pears, dried grass and green peppercorns. Keenly fresh and integrated, this sleek, lightly smoked, saline / fruity style showing lots of herb and green tomato chutney character through the middle stages. Beeswax, white pepper and olive brine feature in a lip-smacking finish. 47.13% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Aromatics: There is a wood ashes and wet flint fragrance in the beginning, along with herbal notes and a touch of citrus zest, which quickly unfolds to reveal a roasted meat and a persistent yet light smokiness. At the end hints of ginger and tangerine peel.On the palate: Medium-bodied, with sweet attributes, presence of toffee and a nice fruity finish of grapes, orange, and hints of ripe pineapple and quince.

Delivery Information
- 93
- ABV may vary
Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Mexicano Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$129. 99
Bottle
$1559.88 Dozen

ABV: 46.98%

Mexicano magueys are large plants with three variations: Chontal, Mexican and Mexican Long stock. All are used in this expression made by Mezcalero, Adrian Bautista. Some find the style reminiscent of fermented fruit and prickly pears. Here, the aromas conjure dried grass, pepper, green capsicum, distant wood smoke and beeswax. It's a slightly less assertive yet nicely balanced expression presenting semi-sweet agave flavours, brine, green olives with a deliciously tangy, vibrant, salty finish. The aftertaste is delicately smokey, salivating and (almost) malt whisky-like. A rounded mouthfeel and low smoke input makes it easily approached. 46.98% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Aromatics: Linger minerality, dry tobacco leaves and fruity notes of overripe cantaloupe and peach, with hints of cacao and cinnamon. On the palate: In the beginning its sweet with a short persistence and silky mouthfeel. With dark chocolate and dry chili pepper flakes. Finishes with fresh mushrooms and clove notes.

Delivery Information
- 94
- ABV may vary
Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Tobala Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$129. 99
Bottle
$1559.88 Dozen

ABV: 47.05%

Harvested at around nine to twelve years old, the Tobala maguey is quite small, so a large number of pinas are needed to make a single batch of mezcal. Nevertheless, it remains prized for the complexity and texture it can bring. Compared to others in the Koch lineup, there's a slightly earthier trajectory here, the bouquet settling into a minerally, wet stone aspect alongside hints of dried apple, cocoa and mesquite smoke. Dried meat and peppercorn flavours are complexed by earthy smoke and vegetal notes. Beautifully textural, fading minerally and ashy, with dried grass, unripe orchard fruits and papaya in tow. Robust Tobala influence comes through. Made by Pedro Hernandez in San Baltazar. 47.05% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Aromatics: Fresh ocean breeze and floral jasmine scents followed by coconut milk and hazelnut, with hints of pear, starfruit and guanabana fruit. Finishes herbaceous, with notes of oregano, basil and hint of roasted pineapple.On the palate: There is a mellow flavor base of banana, honeydew melon, apple sauce with nutmeg and burnt caramel, with light notes of wood smokiness. The end is creamy with nuances of yogurt.

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- 93
Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Tepeztate Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$145. 00
Bottle
$1740.00 Dozen

ABV: 46.3%

Handcrafted from 12-15 year old wild Tepeztate agaves in San Baltazar. Aromas are skewed towards the vegetal, evoking broad beans, mustard powder, olive brine and low-definition smoke. A touch of sweetness through the middle stages makes this easily approached. Sweet green capsicum, potpourri and white pepper flavours follow, adding further complexity to the finish. 46.3% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Aromatics: Subtle and calming vegetal aroma and fresh herbal notes with delicate hints of wood, sawdust, resin and pine tree.On the palate: Notes of Jalapeño pepper and citric fruits. Wet stones, herbaceous and black pepper nuances on the mid-palate. Gentle smoky grilled meat in the background, and medium persistence.

Delivery Information
- 90
Koch El Mezcal El=mental Maguey Espadin Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$89. 99
Bottle
$1079.88 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Koch's entry level Espadin weighs in at a lower ABV than the rest of the collection. In a style that would suit as an aperitif, its genteel aromas suggest green banana, potpourri and mustard powder repeating in a pure, medium weight, accessible palate, laced with white pepper, papaya-like fruitiness, mineral and delicate incense smoke. Double distilled in copper pot stills. 40% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Aromas: At the beginning is a sweet smoky that evokes a fireplace, with notes of ripe fruit. Strong herbal presence, with a slightly minty finish with hints of violets and pineapple. On the palate: Ripe peach and cinnamon, with hints of white pepper.

Delivery Information
- ABV may vary
Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Espadin Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$119. 99
Bottle
$1439.88 Dozen

ABV: 47%

One of several Espadins in Koch's portfolio, this version is made using 7-9 year old magueys (Agave Angustifolia Haw). Handcrafted in San Baltazar, Guelavila's village using a copper pot still, this is generally considered one of the better values in its category. No doubt part of the attraction has been its higher than normal ABV. Described as having sweet, fruity tones and a light taste of coconut mixed with herbs and spices, it's a good choice for home bar.
Other reviews... Loved this Espadin. Very minimal smoke, very minimal burn. Herbal aroma with some slight minty notes. Taste of cooked agave, mild earthiness. Will probably pick this one up again at some point. - mezcalreviews.com
Notes from the producers... Aromatics: Subdued sweet smoke that reminds us of a fireplace, with notes of overripe fruits. It is herbal and in the end slight minty with hints of violets and pineapple.On the palate: Long persistence of baked pineapple with notes of coconut, roses, and freshly cut herbs. On the mid-palate, ripe peach and cinnamon with hints of white pepper and a fine flavor of sherry jelly at the end.

Delivery Information
- 95
Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Pulquero Mezcal (750ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$129. 99
Bottle
$1559.88 Dozen

ABV: 46.98%

Produced from wild Pulquero agaves grown around San Baltazar Guelavila. The variety is well known for its use in pulque (tequilas pre-cursor) and was previously classified as Agave salmiana, hence the title Salmiana is used interchangeably. Mezcalero Master, Pedro Hernández employs a double distillation via a copper alembic. The nose here is relatively shy, dry and minerally evoking pencil shavings, unripe pineapple and herbal teas. The palate delivers a fabulous melting pot of succulent, smokey, exotic flavours suggesting ripe papaya, salt'n'pepper, green apple, capsicum, chillies and a tactile finish that lingers with pepper, lanolin and hints of incense smoke. Robust and complex. Great mezcal. 46.98% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Intense smoke, very linear that highlights the properties of cooked agave and a finish that is slightly reminiscent of pulque.

Delivery Information
- 93
Madre Mezcal Ensamble (200ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$47. 99
Bottle
$575.88 Dozen

ABV: 45%

Have you heard the one about the foreigner who went to Mexico and ‘discovered’ Mezcal? Probably, and more than once. Which is why Chris Stephenson is a bit put out. He felt that no sooner had Madre taken off in the United States, much of the narrative around the spirit focussed the story on himself and his co-founders. He responded by printing the name of the producer of Madre’s principal Mezcal, Ensamble, on its front label. Jose Ines Garcia Morales and his family have made Mezcal in their beautiful valley outside San Dionisio, Oaxaca, for generations. He is the nephew of Alberto ‘Beto’ Morales, of the respected Wahaka palenque, and his small operation is the definition of an artisanal craft distillery. Jose’s father and brothers lift and cut the agaves, his mother blesses the agave hearts before roasting, his wife plants new agaves on the land, and an extended group of uncles and cousins oversee the hours of distillation. Drawing on the work of his father and grandfather before him, his palenque is certified Artesanal, meaning agave piñas are traditionally roasted in fire pits for up to five days and crushed using a horse-drawn tahona (stone wheel). Fermentation occurs outside in tinas (or oak vats) relying only on the microbe-rich airborne yeasts. The final process is double-distillation in two small wood-fired, heirloom copper stills.
Ensamble is Madre’s centrepiece. It’s a blend of Espadin and the rare, wild agave, Cuishe, which only counts for 1-2% of agave species. The lion’s share of the blend is crafted by Jose Ines Garcia Morales and his family in San Dionisio, with a little Cuishe supplied from the Vazquez palenque in Miahuatlán. Agave Cuishe is part of the slow-ripening Karwinskii family, which also includes the Cirial and Tobasiche varieties. Due to the agave’s dense core and low water content, Mezcal made from Cuishe has a slightly tropical and earthy tone. This is picked up during the cooking; the piña is long and thin, increasing the surface area for the roasting process. As, unusually, the stalk and the piña are harvested and roasted together, Mezcal from the Karwinskii family is often said to have a firmer structure. As wild agave is a dwindling resource, for every plant harvested Madre replants it two-fold.
A departure from overtly smoky expressions, the blend of sweet Espadin and piquant Cuishe is designed to be a perfect first taste for a new Mezcal drinker, as well as a great everyday sipper for the Mezcal aficionado. Not only less smokey than Madre's 100% 'Espadin' bottling, the nose is also more shy being vaguely fruity with hints of mustard pickle and green olive brine. Superbly integrated flavours unfold with dry, ashy notes, suggestions of potpourri and mineral followed by a sappy, resinous character and a peppery finish. The mouthfeel is pure, elegant, supple and borderline juicy while the aftertaste has solid length. Each small batch release is bottled in recycled glass and hand numbered. 45% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... “This Ensamble is made using Espadín and Cuishe agave, and serves rich tropical fruit and bonfire smoke notes that flow from nose to palate. Its alcohol content ups the intensity of those aromas and flavors, delivering a well-balanced experience and an approachable introduction to the category.” Vinepair (15 best Mezcal brands and best Mezcals for sipping 2022)

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Mezcal Vago Tobala Mezcal (700ml)

Oaxaca, MEXICO

$240. 00
Bottle
$2880.00 Dozen

ABV: 50.7%

Crafted by Aquilino García López, the wild-harvested tobalá used here is sourced from the Highlands near the source of the Quichapa River. Like all of Aquilino's mezcals, Vago Tobalá is crafted in the traditional method at his palenque in Candelaria Yegolé, Oaxaca. The operation includes earth ovens for cooking the agaves, pinewood fermentation vats and a 200 litre copper still. The mezcal is rested in steel tanks for three months before being hand bottled.
Other reviews... Warm but fresh; masculine but delicate, this is just a joy to smell and to drink. Cool, leafy aromatics of wintergreen, aloe, and green peppercorns begin your journey. Next, the green hues fade to black on the palate with plenty of tar, black pepper, wood smoke, and candle wax. The slightest undercurrent of pear and melon keeps things fresh and dynamic. Quite classy and refined.
95 points - distiller.com

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