Description
Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Tobal is a refined and expressive mezcal crafted from one of the most prized wild agave varieties in Oaxaca. Elegant rather than aggressively smoky, it reveals layers of tropical fruit, delicate floral aromatics, and earthy minerality. Produced in small batches by a traditional mezcalero, this bottle captures the rare complexity that makes Tobal agave one of the most sought-after expressions in artisanal mezcal.
Origins & Craftsmanship
Koch El Mezcal is a respected Oaxacan producer dedicated to showcasing the diversity of mezcal through small-batch, terroir-driven releases made by individual mezcaleros. Each bottling highlights the work of a specific village and distiller. The Maguey Tobal expression is produced by Maestro Mezcalero Pedro Hernndez in San Baltazar Guelavila, Oaxaca.
The spirit is made from 100% wild Maguey Tobal (Agave potatorum), a rare agave species that grows naturally in rocky mountain slopes rather than cultivated fields. Because the plants are small and take around 910 years to mature, a large number of agaves are required for each batch, making Tobal mezcals both scarce and prized.
Production follows the artesanal mezcal tradition:
Agave pias are slow-roasted in underground earthen ovens.
The cooked agave is crushed and fermented naturally in wooden vats.
The fermented mash is double-distilled in copper stills.
The mezcal is bottled unaged (joven) at approximately 47% ABV, allowing the natural character of the agave and the terroir of the region to shine clearly.
Tasting Profile
Nose:
Elegant aromatics of tropical fruit, coconut, hazelnut, fresh herbs, and subtle ocean-air minerality, with light wisps of smoke.
Palate:
Complex and silky with pineapple, cocoa, herbal tones, and gentle ash, balanced by floral sweetness and earthy agave character.
Finish:
Long and refined with lingering walnut, chocolate, and herbal bitterness, supported by delicate smoke.
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| ABV / Proof | ~47% ABV / 94 Proof |
| Origin / Region | San Baltazar Guelavila, Oaxaca, Mexico |
| Producer | Koch El Mezcal |
| Maestro Mezcalero | Pedro Hernndez |
| Agave | 100% Wild Maguey Tobal (Agave potatorum) |
| Production | Earthen pit roasting, natural fermentation, double copper distillation |
| Aging | Joven (unaged) |
| Aromas & Flavors | Tropical fruit, coconut, herbs, cocoa, light smoke |
| Style / Identity | Rare wild-agave artisanal mezcal |
Cocktail Recipes
While high-quality Tobal mezcal is often best enjoyed neat, it can elevate classic mezcal cocktails.
Oaxacan Old Fashioned
2 oz Koch Tobal Mezcal
oz agave nectar
2 dashes chocolate bitters
Stir with ice and strain over a large cube; garnish with orange peel.
Tobal Paloma
1 oz Koch Tobal Mezcal
3 oz grapefruit soda
oz fresh lime juice
Build over ice in a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Related Products
