Zinacantan, Agave Spirits from 100% Agave, Papalometl, Fermented in leather, 2023 (46.7%, 20cl)

In November 2022, a conversation among Faby, Diana, and Silvestre sparked a reflection on the traditional methods of agave distillation within their community. Many local producers had transitioned from using leather fermenting tanks to wooden ones over the years, a change encouraged in the name of “progress.” Faby recalled her last encounter with leather tanks as a child, nearly 30 years ago, before this shift took place. Driven by a desire to reconnect with her heritage, Faby decided to revive this ancestral technique, experimenting with small batches of distilled agave using a traditional leather tank for the first time in three decades.

This exceptional batch of mezcal mirrors the traditional Papalometl production process but utilizes a 700-liter tank made from cow’s skin, provided by a family member, instead of the more commonly used wooden vats. The resulting spirit, crafted with the same care and expertise as all of Faby’s creations, is a rare and exquisite distillate, with only 77 liters produced in this unique batch—an homage to the rich history of agave distillation.

Agave potatorum, also known as Tobalá in Oaxaca and Papalometl in Puebla, is a rare gem native to Mexico, flourishing in a limited area across the states of Puebla and Oaxaca. Due to its increasing demand in the distillate market, the population of this unique agave species has rapidly declined.

This exceptional spirit is crafted by the skilled hands of Maestra Mezcalera Fabiola Torres-Monfil, using only the finest, wild-grown Papalometl agave, harvested after 12 years of maturation. The production takes place in San Diego la Mesa Tochimiltzingo, situated at an elevation of 1,027 meters. The agave is roasted in a traditional truncated conical earthen oven, then hand-crushed with axes and machetes, with an electric shredder used to finish the process.

Fermentation occurs over 25 days in cowhide, relying solely on natural wild yeasts. The spirit undergoes a single distillation in a Filipino-style copper pot still, using pure well water. The result is an exquisite distillate, boasting a robust 46.7% ABV, with only 77 liters produced in February 2023—another true rarity for connoisseurs of artisanal spirits.