Mezcal San Cosme

San Cosme is an Oaxacan joven mezcal from Espadin (Agave angustifolia), made in Santiago Matatlan, the town that bills itself as the capital of mezcal and the home of most of the state's large producers. The brand was launched in 2011 as a German Mexican project by three childhood friends and has become a widely sold accessible mezcal across Europe.
Made by traditional methods, it is pit roasted, double distilled and bottled unaged at 40%, a touch lower in proof than many artesanal mezcals, which is part of its smooth, approachable character. The flavour keeps things simple and clear, with cooked agave, caramel, wood, restrained smoke and a faint note of leather carried on a silky texture. It is the easygoing end of the mezcal spectrum, made to show roasted agave without heavy intensity.