Mezcal San Cosme Oaxaca

Just what the doctor ordered.

Mezcal in the drink of the hour. If you haven’t tried Tequila’s mysterious cousin, it’s high time you do. Especially if you like Tequila. And smoke. Lots of smoke. While most Tequilas are made by cooking the agave in above ground ovens, Mezcal is cooked underground, over a wood fire and covered in layers of agave leaves and earth. The process imbues a special aroma and flavor into the Mezcal, giving it the identifiable smoky quality. Unlike Tequila, it can be made all over Mexico, but the best Mezcal comes from the region of Oaxaca. So of course, to Oaxaca – ¡ vamos !

Oaxaca, more specifically Santiago Matalán is the home of San Cosme. The distillery borrows its name from the legend of Saint Cosmas. According to Mexican folklore, Saint Cosmas and his twin brother Damian defied death and performed miracles. That’s why they are revered by many as patron saints of doctors. And let me tell you, this Spirit is just what the doctor ordered.

Mezcal, in comparison to Tequila, can be made from over 30 varieties of Agave. Mezcal San Cosme is made with 100% Espadin agave as base. They press grind the agave hearts under a mule-turned stone mill to extract the golden juices and pulp-ferment it in wooden barrels with natural, local yeasts. Then the mash is distilled twice in copper pot-stills before it’s filtered and bottled. This is a true artisanal product, Mexican craftsmanship and tradition in a bottle.

The end result is a complex Spirit with a very distinct smoky character, but with a bit of sweetness and earthy quality to balance the whole act in your mouth. This delicate Spirit should be enjoyed slowly and peacefully. Forget slamming. This is a Spirit to sip, savor and enjoy.