Grulani Mezcal Tobasiche - San Baltazar Guelavila, Oaxaca, Mexico (750ml)

Agave karwinskii, or Tobasiche, is a micro endemic agave species that grows exclusively in arid zones of Oaxaca like San Balthazar Guevila in dry chalky soils. To reach maturation, it needs between 12 and 15 years and grows elongated, like a cassava, with very dense leaves that make the harvest, or “jima” extremely labor-intensive. It's so fibrous that it takes twice as long as other magueys when crushed with the horse-drawn stone mill. Intense with medium density on the palate, it’s herbal, salty, and spicy, and lingers on the tip of the tongue.