Pelotón de la Muerte Mezcal Espadin

Peloton de la Muerte is a joven Espadin mezcal made in Oaxaca by mezcalero Cutberto Santiago and his family, a cocktail friendly, lower proof expression at 41% that wears its funk lightly. The label carries the banner of the Doliente Hidalgo, the insurgent flag raised to avenge the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a piece of Mexican history rather than a production note.

The Espadin hearts are roasted in stone pit ovens by traditional method, which threads gentle wood smoke through the spirit, then fermented and double distilled to 41%. Bottling at the lower end of the mezcal range keeps the spirit soft and approachable while still showing its agave. The result carries notes of kiwi fruit and lemon zest, dried peppercorn and cooked agave, all wrapped in a mild, restrained smoke that leaves room for the fruit and pepper to show.