Derrumbes Mezcal Zacatecas Azul

Derrumbes Zacatecas Azul is an unusual mezcal made from A. tequilana Weber var. azul, the Blue Weber agave normally used for tequila, which makes it a genuine crossover between the two categories. It is produced at the Hacienda de Guadalupe in Zacatecas by master distiller Jaime Banuelos, whose family is one of few in the area near the Tequila valley still making mezcal in the traditional way rather than a tequila like style.

The agave is roasted in an underground stone pit over black oak, crushed with a tahona, fermented in stainless tanks with natural yeast and double distilled in copper, then rested at least sixty days in glass. The nose is mineral with rich earth and gentle grill smoke, recalling a clean Blanco. The palate shows the typical mezcal sweetness with orange, a pinch of pepper and earth, chocolate and visible roasted agave, closing long on agave, light smoke, mint and fresh soil. Bottled around 45.7 percent.