BUI Mezcal Blanco Agave Espadin

BUI is an artesanal mezcal made entirely from Maguey Espadin (Agave angustifolia) by La Cofradia, a long running family distillery in the town of Tequila, Jalisco. The name comes from the Otomi word for life. Bottled joven, or blanco, it is left unaged to keep the agave and the roast in front, the way most artesanal mezcal is sold.

The pinas are roasted for days in underground earthen ovens, which is where the smoke comes from, then crushed to free the sweet juice. Fermentation runs naturally on wild yeast in large vats before a double distillation in copper stills. The result is forward and smoky, with earthy tones, cooked agave sweetness and a touch of citrus on the nose, then smoked wood, fresh agave and black pepper on the palate, a thread of honey and caramel for sweetness, and a long, spicy, mineral finish. Bottled clear at 45%.