THE NAVIGATOR | EXPRESSION 112 Joel Barriga, a third-generation distiller, works with his son, Adan, to produce mezcal. Their process begins with harvesting agave near their ranch in Tapanla, Oaxaca. Situated on the high plateaus of the Sierra Sur, the ranch features rolling hills among rising peaks. Their palenque is about 9 kilometers from Aquilino’s and the climate is arid high desert, like the surroundings of Aquilino’s. Mezcalero Joel Barriga’s unique colour label for Mezcal Vago is yellow however with this particular bottling, being a very small production run ensamble, exclusive to Navigate World Whisky and the South African market, Vago has deployed its striking black and gold label. Selected by Navigate World Whisky in what is a worldwide exclusive bottling, this Ensamble of just 202 litres has been assembled using the arroqueno and mexicano maguey. ENSAMBLE BY JOEL BARRIGA Mezcal Vago Mexico, Mezcal Artesenal – Single Palenque, 51.8%, 750ml Maguey: Arroqueno & Mexicano Batch size just 202 litres – NWW Exclusive Nose: Agave…. A real greenness that’s quite enticing. Thick, agave juice, syrupy, and then enter the white pepper. This Ensamble agave nose is not thinning out at all. Is it the Arroqueno perhaps or the Mexicano? Ashy, juniper berries, sugar cone infused with rosemary. A little lavender. Palate: A luxurious & velvety mouthfeel. Lightly peppered, citrus, unripe strawberries. Oh wow… Rooibos tea! That’s a bonus for an SA exclusive Ensamble! Also sickle bush! Savoury, perhaps a little sump. One could be in the Karoo… it feels right, time for a road trip. Finish: Long but light and a refined combination of citrus spray, spice, and savoury grated nutmeg pleasantness. EXPLORE Mezcal Vago
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg2Mzc2MQ==