Yuu Baal Mezcal Wild Espadin Joven

Yuu Baal Wild Espadín Joven is an artesanal mezcal from San Juan del Río in the Tlacolula district of Oaxaca, made by maestro mezcalero Isaías Martínez Juan from Espadín grown seven years to maturity. The name pairs the Zapotec words for earth and fire, the two elements behind the spirit, and Yuu Baal works as a producer group spanning several Oaxacan towns.

The agave is cut by machete and coa, roasted in a concave stone oven, then crushed with a stone tahona that ferments the fibres along with the juice for a fuller body. Fermentation runs naturally in pine vats before double distillation. Bottled at 46% for more agave weight and a longer finish, it shows smoked meat, dried papaya, orange, pollen and a hint of spring flowers, with light smoke, warmth and mild fruit on a soft, agave driven palate.