Palenqueros Baltazar Cruz Espadin - Sierra Negra Joven Mezcal Artesanal 100% Maguey

Baltazar Cruz is a first-generation Palenquero who is known for his entrepreneurial skills. The region of San Luis del Rio, which sits at 955 meters above sea level, is renowned for the quality of its soil which is favorable to the cultivation of many agave varieties, including Espadín, Sierra Negra, Tepextate, Mexicano, Coyote and Mexicanito.

Baltazar uses wild harvested Sierra Negra agave to create this exceptional spirit. The agave is cooked in an 16-ton earthen oven pit before it is crushed by mule-drawn tahona and fermented in pine wood vats for 5 days using the ambient yeast of the distillery. Distilled in his classic 300L copper still, this expression highlights the distinct attributes of the Sierra Negra agave, a variety celebrated for its intense and unique profile. Bottled at still strength of 51% ABV with no additives.

1. Producer: Baltazar Cruz
2. Location: San Luis del Rio, Tlacolula, Oaxaca
3. Maguey: Sierra Negra Silvestre - Agave americana oax.
4. Cooking system: Conical cone earthen oven pit
5. Grinding system: Tahona, mule drawn
6. Fermentation: Four days with ambient yeast in pine vats
7. Distillation: 300 liter copper pot still
8. Bottling: Still strength of 51% abv. 800 bottles produced.

Tasting notes: Spicy nuances of black pepper and nutmeg mingle with a notable mineral salinity. The mid-palate gains a creamy lime-tart like texture with hints of vanilla, while the aftertaste offers a refreshing mint quality.