Koch Tepeztate Mezcal

This lovely Tepeztate was made in the town of San Baltazar Guelavila in Oaxaca by Master Mezcalero Pedro Hernandez. The agave were harvested at 12-15 years of maturation, crushed with a horse-drawn roller mill, cooked in underground conical ovens, and fermented with wild yeast in open-air cypress vats. It was then distilled twice on a copper pot and bottled at 94 proof. The nose offers aromas of aloe, grass, and fresh green herbs with some smoke and green pepper notes in the background. The palate features flavors of green pepper, mint, green tea, citrus, wet stone, and a touch of black pepper.