Mezcal Unión El Viejo
Mezcal Unión El Viejo is the wild-agave bottling of the Unión range — 45% ABV (90 proof), 750mL, a joven mezcal of wild Tobalá and cultivated Espadín from San Baltazar Guelavila, Oaxaca, made by maestro mezcalero Pedro Hernández in copper alembic stills with a tahona crush. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Agave: Wild Tobalá + Espadín, 8–14 years
- Style: Joven — unaged
- Production: Tahona crush, copper alembic distillation
- Maestro: Pedro Hernández
- Origin: San Baltazar Guelavila, Oaxaca, Mexico (Mezcal Unión)
Wild Tobalá, Bottled Young
Unión was founded on a union in the literal sense — a cooperative model that works with small palenquero families across Oaxaca rather than consolidating production. El Viejo, "the old one," earns its name from the agave, not the barrel: wild Tobalá — the small, slow-growing agave gathered from the hillsides rather than farmed — blended with Espadín and bottled joven, so what you taste is the plant, the roast and Pedro Hernández's copper stills, with nothing aged over the top of it. Set it beside the Espadín-and-Cirial Uno in our mezcal collection, or browse the house on the Mezcal Unión vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Butter and floral notes over clean smoke (official notes). Palate: Mint and pine herbs with a stony, mineral core — the Tobalá character. Finish: Clean smoke and agave sweetness.
How to Enjoy
Neat, in a wide clay or glass copita, at room temperature — chilling and ice both mute what the wild agave brings. A few drops of water open the florals. This is the Unión to sip slowly, not to mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tobalá? A small wild agave (Agave potatorum) that grows scattered on Oaxacan hillsides and matures far more slowly than farmed Espadín — prized for its floral, mineral depth, and scarce enough that it anchors Unión's premium bottling.
How is El Viejo different from Mezcal Unión Uno (Joven)? The agave: Uno is Espadín and Cirial at 40%; El Viejo brings in wild Tobalá alongside Espadín and pours stronger at 45%, with a more floral, mineral profile. Both are unaged joven mezcals.
Why is it called El Viejo if it is unaged? "The old one" refers to the mature wild agave — Tobalá plants of 8–14 years — not to time in a barrel; the mezcal itself is a joven.
The wild-agave Unión — buy Mezcal Unión El Viejo online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.