BEÚ Crescent Moon Ensamble Mezcal

BEU Crescent Moon is an ensamble of two wild magueyes, the small floral Tobala and Cuishe, a karwinskii form known for its dry, mineral, herbal character. Made in Santiago Matatlan in the Valles Centrales of Oaxaca by maestro Nelson Garcia Sernas, it was released in 248 bottles and left uncertified for cost reasons, so it is legally a destilado de agave rather than certified mezcal, though built the traditional way.

The agaves are roasted in a conical underground oven, crushed by a horse drawn mill and fermented naturally in pinewood vats before double distillation in copper pot stills. Bottled at 46%, the nose gives fresh roasted asparagus and agave with light citrus, tarragon, eucalyptus and underripe pear, plus a faint whisper of white flowers. The palate is broad and mouth filling, with eucalyptus, soft apple, pear and quince and a subtle, well integrated smoke, closing on an unusually long, sustained finish that carries every note.