Pensador Mezcal Ensamble

Pensador Ensamble is a joven mezcal made by Don Atenogenes Garcia in Miahuatlan, Oaxaca, from 70% Espadin and 30% wild Madrecuixe, a tall form of Agave karwinskii. Miahuatlan is drier than much of Oaxaca, so the agave drives its roots deeper for minerals and concentrates its sugars, giving this ensamble an unusual depth and sweetness across the two species.
Both agaves are pit roasted underground for five days, rested, then crushed with a horse drawn tahona, fermented naturally on well water and double distilled in a 250 litre copper still, with Don Garcia keeping only the heart of the run. The nose layers smoky oak, roasted apricot and black pepper over a mineral earthiness lifted by citrus and grape, while the palate offers green apple, ripe banana and green pepper alongside vanilla and toffee. A tobacco edged, smoky finish closes it at 48%.