Montelobos Espadín Joven Mezcal

Product Description

Montelobos Espadín Joven Mezcal: The Organic Mezcal That Started with a Biologist

Most mezcal brands start with a family. Montelobos started with a plant scientist. Dr. Iván Saldaña, who studied molecular plant biology, wanted to know what the agave could do, and in 2012 he launched this mezcal with fifth-generation mezcalero Don Abel López at Palenque Montelobos on Rancho Loma Larga in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca. It’s made from 100% organically certified Espadín agave, roasted 4 to 7 days in a volcanic stone pit, crushed under a tahona, fermented in open-air pine vats, and bottled unaged at 43.2% ABV (86.4 proof), with no additives. The brand promises never to use wild agave.

The name means “mountain of wolves,” for the mountain on the border between the Mixe and Zapotec regions. The brand describes damp earth, freshly cut grass, honey, citrus, and smoke on the nose, and a palate that balances cooked and green maguey with nuts, herbs, and smoke. Reviewers add lemon, bell pepper, grilled rosemary, and a little salt, and say the smoke is warm, not harsh. Wine Enthusiast scored it 91. It’s built to be mixed: a Mezcal Margarita, a Mezcal Negroni (the smoke against Campari), or an Oaxacan Old Fashioned, though it’s good neat or over a large cube with a slice of orange and sal de gusano. It’s a gift for someone starting with mezcal, a bar staple, and a good way to see what organic agave tastes like.

About the Bottle

• Joven (unaged) mezcal, 100% organically certified Espadín agave; additive-free
• Pit-roasted in a volcanic stone pit; tahona crushed; open-air pine vat fermentation
• 43.2% ABV (86.4 proof); Kosher certified
• Casa Montelobos, Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca; 750ml

Tasting Notes

From Montelobos’ own notes and reviewers.

Aroma: Damp earth, freshly cut grass, honey, citrus, and smoke.

Palate: A balance of cooked and green maguey, with nuts, herbs, and smoke.

Finish: Long, with smoke, mineral earth, and a clean herbal fade.

Food Pairings

The smoke and citrus pair well with grilled corn (elote), tacos al pastor, and ceviche. They also go with roasted peppers, avocado, and dark chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Mix it in a Mezcal Margarita, Mezcal Negroni, or Oaxacan Old Fashioned, or sip it neat with an orange slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montelobos a tequila? No, it’s a mezcal, made from Espadín agave in Oaxaca.

Is it smoky? Yes, from the pit-roasting, but it’s balanced with citrus, herbs, and honey.

Is it organic? Yes, 100% organically certified Espadín.

What proof is it? 86.4 proof (43.2% ABV).

Is it aged? No, it’s a joven.

How should I drink it? In a cocktail, or neat.

Explore More

Browse our Mezcal collection, or see the Montelobos Tobalá.

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