Del Maguey Wild Tepextate 45% ABV

A high-altitude mezcal here, made from 100% wild Tepextate agave. A rarer varietal, it offers lighter, sweeter notes. Del Maguey partners with small producers – or palenqueros – in remote villages to craft expressions in its Village series. And this is one of them, madre in Santa Maria Albarradas! Naturally fermented and twice-distilled in wood-fired copper stills, this bottling offers a singular look at both the sense of place and the agave varietal.

Nose: Opens with a sweetness reminiscent of candy floss, followed by underripe banana and a herbal quality. There’s green bell pepper and a fresh grassiness too.

Palate: More fruit comes through: melon, passionfruit and apricot. Almond and a suggestion of coriander add depth.

Finish: Medium length, drying and more floral.