Montelobos Espadín Mezcal

Montelobos Espadín Mezcal shines when sipped neat or with a single large ice cube, allowing its complex smoky and herbal notes to unfold on the palate. This versatile spirit also excels in citrus-forward cocktails or as a bold base for agave-centric drinks, making it perfect for warm summer evenings or pairing with grilled meats and rich, spicy dishes.

Nose: Smoke and roasted agave lead, followed by citrus peel, green herbs, and a hint of white pepper. Underlying notes of wet earth and minerals add depth.

Palate: Intense smoke and cooked agave dominate initially. Citrus notes emerge, reminiscent of lime and grapefruit. Vegetal flavors of bell pepper and fresh grass balance the sweetness. A peppery spice builds, accompanied by subtle vanilla.

Finish: Long and warming. The smoke lingers, gradually giving way to mineral notes and a slight saltiness. A pleasant bitterness, similar to dark chocolate, develops. The aftertaste leaves a mix of citrus zest and herb flavors.

Montelobos Espadín Mezcal is crafted using traditional methods, where mature agave piñas are roasted in earthen pit ovens, crushed by a tahona wheel, and naturally fermented in wooden vats. What's particularly intriguing is their use of a custom-designed copper still that combines elements of both pot and column stills, allowing for precise control over the final flavor profile while maintaining the spirit's robust character.

• Montelobos Espadín Mezcal is made using a centuries-old Zapotec technique called "quioteo," where the agave's flowering stalk is cut before it blooms. This process concentrates sugars in the plant's heart, resulting in a uniquely rich and complex flavor profile.
• The brand's name, Montelobos (meaning "mountain of wolves"), was inspired by a pack of wolves that appeared near the distillery during its construction. Local lore now considers these wolves as spiritual guardians of the mezcal-making process.
• Unlike many mezcals, Montelobos Espadín undergoes a third distillation in copper stills, a practice typically reserved for high-end tequilas. This extra step creates an exceptionally smooth spirit while preserving the characteristic smokiness of mezcal.