400 Conejos Mezcal Joven

400 Conejos is a joven Espadín mezcal from Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, named for the centzon totochtin, the four hundred rabbit gods of pulque drinking in Nahuatl tradition, where four hundred stood for countless. It is one of the better known commercial mezcals in Mexico, made in the artesanal style from 100% Espadín that is hand selected and harvested by jima.

The agave is taken to the palenque and roasted in traditional conical wood ovens, the fire lit and topped with volcanic rock before the pit is sealed with cloth and earth for three to five days. That pit roast is the source of its smoke, which reads as campfire and ash on the nose alongside faint ripe fruit and light herbs. The palate is soft, with fresh wood notes folding into cooked agave sweetness, closing on a gentle, smoky finish. Bottled at 38%.