Artesanal, Tobalá, Spirit distilled of agave, Mexico (46.2%, 70cl)

MAESTRAS DE MEXICO

Artesanal focuses on preserving ancestral technemes and the contribution of women to the sensory and cultural identity of mezcal.

They exclusively support independent female micro-producers distilling fewer than 1,000 liters a year, protecting ecosystem and agave diversity.

Their first EU collection spans two years of unhurried curation from three Maestras across Guerrero and Oaxaca. Each batch personifies its author and locality, helping sustain their craft, dignity and way of life in small rural communities.

Tobalá - Oaxaca

Artesanal Tobalá Destilado de Agave Tradicional is an artisanal agave spirit produced in the rugged hills of Sola de Vega within the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca, Mexico. Crafted by fourth generation master distiller Engracia Altamirano, this expression utilizes 100% wild Tobalá agave (Agave potatorum) harvested at peak maturity after taking up to thirteen years to develop in local mineral rich soils.

The production process bridges historical tradition with meticulous agricultural stewardship. Mature capón plants are harvested and wet roasted over volcanic rock in subterranean pits to minimize smoke impact, followed by traditional mashing using mallets in wooden canoes. Fermentation takes place spontaneously in ancient sabino wood trunks using wild airborne yeasts. The fermented must then undergoes slow, traditional artesanal distillation in copper pot stills, yielding a clean and elegant mineral expression true to the gusto histórico of the mountain community. Bottled at a strength of 46.2% ABV in a 70cl format, it is produced without artificial additives, coloring, or filtration. 240 L batch.

The profile is bright, lifted, and elegantly complex, balancing fresh citrus clarity with delicate herbal and earthy minerality. The nose opens with aromas of vibrant lime peel, crisp lemongrass, strawberry, and fresh mint, accompanied by a distant petrichor note of rain on warm earth. On the palate, a crisp and smooth mouthfeel delivers flavors of tangy yuzu, warming pine resins, and green botanicals over a clean, stony mineral base. The finish is long, warm, and sophisticated, maintaining its fresh edge and a bright, yuzu driven minerality.