Mezcal, Mexico / Oaxaca
Tobala, which means “the plant that grows in the shade” in the ancient Zapotec language, is a term that refers to a variety of maguey (another name for the agave of the Americana family) that only grows in the most remote parts of the valleys. Smaller than the swordfish variety agaves, it takes a lot more pias to produce the same amount of mezcal, but often of a much higher quality. This very limited special Mezcal is marked by heady notes of candied fruit, flowers and spices. Soft and fruity, its finish is long and elegant.