Tepanal Ancestral Tobalá 750ML
Tepanal Ancestral Tobalá 750ML
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Tepanal Ancestral Tobalá
The Crown Jewel of the "Hill of Honeycombs"
In the rugged terrain of Santa María Sola de Vega, the elusive Tobalá agave grows small and potent, earning its reputation as one of the most prized wild agaves in Oaxaca. Under the guidance of first-generation master distiller Rafael "Rafa" Garcia Aragon, this Ancestral Tobalá serves as a bridge to the past.
The brand name Tepanal honors the 16th-century history of Rafa’s home, once called Tepanaltepec. Just as the community’s ancestors once harvested wild honey from these hills, Rafa harvests the wild essence of the Tobalá. Distilled in April 2021, this micro-batch of only 180 bottles was fermented in traditional Montezuma Cypress "canoes" and double-distilled in clay pots, resulting in a spirit of unparalleled elegance and rarity.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Explosively floral and bright. High notes of gardenia and ripe tropical fruit are grounded by a deep, stony minerality and a hint of caramelized sugar.
- Palate: A delicate, buttery texture that belies its 50% ABV. Expect a sophisticated symphony of flavors: sweet roasted agave, green apple, and white pepper, all wrapped in the soft, earthy "dustiness" provided by the clay pot distillation.
- Finish: Clean, crisp, and incredibly long. It leaves a lingering sweetness reminiscent of the "hill of honeycombs," balanced by a subtle, cool mint and a touch of wood smoke.
Master’s Note:
Tobalá is notoriously difficult to work with due to its small size and low sugar yield. This lot, totaling only 135 liters, represents a rare moment in time where the climate, the wild agave, and the clay pots aligned perfectly.
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What is the difference between Tequila & Mezcal?
Tequila is a type of mezcal, much like how scotch and bourbon are types of whiskey.
Tequila and mezcal are both types of agave-based spirits that are popular in Mexico, but there are some key differences between the two. Tequila is made exclusively from the blue agave plant, which is primarily grown in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, about 40 miles northwest of Guadalajara. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from any type of agave plant, and is often made using traditional, labor-intensive methods.
One of the most noticeable differences between tequila and mezcal is their flavor. Tequila is typically smooth and subtle, with hints of fruit and spices, while mezcal has a more complex, smoky flavor that comes from the roasting of the agave hearts before they are fermented and distilled.
Another difference between the two spirits is their production process. Tequila is typically made using modern industrial methods, while mezcal is often produced using traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations. This can give mezcal a more authentic, artisanal character.
In general, tequila is considered to be a more refined and sophisticated spirit, while mezcal is often viewed as a more rustic and traditional drink. Both are popular in Mexico and are enjoyed around the world, so the best way to decide which one you like is to try them both and see which one suits your tastes.
Where do you ship to?
WILL NOT ARRANGE FOR SHIPPING TO THE FOLLOWING STATES: Arkansas (AK), Utah (UT), Mississippi (MS), and any other states or area where such shipments are prohibited by law.
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California Proposition 65 Warning
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects.
For more information go to - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol.