- Mezcal produced in Lachigui, Miahuatlán, Oaxaca
- Maestro Mezcalero “Tio” Pedro Vasquez
- 100% Tobasiche (A. karwinskii)
- Cooked in traditional earthen pit oven (horno) using oak & mesquite
- Fermented in wood vats (tinas)
- Distilled twice using an alembic copper pot still with condenser (refrescadera)
- Snap pea, honeydew rind, peanut shells, damp earth, moss, fresh green herbs, candied pork rinds, black pepper
- 48% ABV (ABV may vary batch to batch)
Info
Sizes Available
Full Bottle | MX-XEJ-09-NV | 6/750ml |
Tasting Notes
Tobaziche is a subvarietal of the Agave karwinskii species of agave, which grow wild in certain parts of Oaxaca, representing less than 1% of the agave currently growing in the state.
Unlike most agave, whose leaves (or “pencas”) grow outwards from a central heart or core which remains close to the ground, Agave karwinskii develop as a long vertical stem or trunk, with the sugar concentrated near the top where the pencas remain green and spiky. Agave karwinskii more closely resemble a palm to many observers than what is typically identified as agave. Their height and intimidating spikes have led some indigenous communities to use them as a natural fence.
In addition, the entire trunk is typically fermented and distilled when producing mezcal, resulting in a spirit much higher in vegetal and fibrous aromatic & flavor profiles. There are many subvarietals of Agave karwinskii (Cuishe, Madrecuishe, Barril, Largo); Tobaziche is identified by its slender height, often towering above its sibling subvarietals. Known for stronger sugar concentration than many, it is safe to expect a vegetal herbaceous note paired elegantly against whispers of melon, banana or other tropical fruit.
Tobaziche is a special release from El Jolgorio, thus far only produced by two mezcaleros from the Casa Cortes community. Offered in a distinctive black glass reminiscent of the black clay jugs mezcal was historically stored in, the opaque bottle accentuates the preciousness and singularity of the spirit inside.