Bozal Mezcal, Guias de Calabaza Sacrificio, Oaxaca, Mexico (750ml)
Producer Notes ~ "On the steep precarious hillsides of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Durango varieties of agave, indigenous to the region, grow wild and are heavily sought after by the local mezcaleros. These varietals produce flavors that are exotically intense, with rich earth tones and savory smokiness. From the heart of the maguey these flavors are traditionally extracted to produce mezcal that is 'wildly refined'. Because we at Bozal believe that something wild produces a far richer spirit.
Following the age-old tradition from mezcaleros, sacrificial mezcal is typically produced in small batches for personal consumption as well as fiestas for the locals. The production is seasonal and takes place at year-end. First, the agave is crushed by a stone tahona wheel moved by a bull, baked in earthen pit ovens, fermented and then distilled. During the second distillation, pumpkin stems, in addition to seasonal fruits and grains harvested from the local market, are suspended inside the bottom of the still in a basket. Local produce includes pineapple, plantains and oranges, along with pumpkin seeds and chepiche. The Espadín agave, known as the genetic Mother of the Blue Weber Agave, is used to produce Tequila, and is also the predominant agave used in Mezcal production. Unique in itself, the characteristics of this agave showcase the aromas of wet earth, a rich smokiness on the mid-palate, and a finish reminiscent of wild flowers. This variety of agave is a subspecies of the Angustifolia Family of agave.Tobalá - A small agave varietal, the Tobalá, a subspecies of the Potatorum Family of agave, has broad, spade-like leaves. The compact size of this agave yields limited quantities of Mezcal and takes 12-15 years to reach full maturation. At this time, the plant sends up a flower-bearing spike that can be anywhere from 10 to 20 feet high. Known to many as the king agave, Tobalá can only grow from seed and is becoming increasingly rare. This agave offers intensely aromatic Mezal with complex notes of tropical fruit."
