Vago Tobala Jarquin Mezcal

This special bottling from maestro mezcalero Emigdio Jarquin is produced in Miahuatlan, Oaxaca. The maguey Tobala (agave Potatorum) used in this mezcal is crushed by tahona and distilled in a copper refrescadera still. Emigdio is known throughout the region for his distilling expertise and all of his mezcal holds a high standard for the rest of the Miahuatlan region. 

The use of a refrescadera still is a common practice in the area around Miahuatlan, and it has also been adopted by some producers from other regions as well. The still looks similar to a copper alembique still except there is a stainless steel cylinder surrounding it. The cylinder is filled with water, allowing it to cool the upper part of the still, which works as a condenser that sends the alcohol vapor back down into the boiler before being heated again and leaving the still into the condensing coil. This method of distilling essentially allows for two distillations during a single pass through the still.

This batch is labeled "Lot E-18-TOB-21", and is bottled at 51.6% abv. The nose opens with leather, mint, cantaloupe, and sweet cake frosting. On the palate there is a lot of black pepper spice, along with anise, macadamia nut, quince, and honeysuckle. The finish goes sweet with buttercream, carrot cake, and grassy herbs. Complex and delicious.