Mal Bien Tobaxiche Ramos
ABV varies by batch (~47–54%) | 750mL | Tobaxiche (Agave karwinskii) | small numbered batches | destilado de agave — Mal Bien Tobaxiche Ramos is the quintessential Miahuatlán bottling of this agave: Victor and Emanuel Ramos — father and son, 3rd and 4th generations of the Ramos family — make it in tiny Mengolí de Morelos (population under 200), pit-roasted over encino, guamuche, and mesquite wood, milled by tahona, fermented open-air, and double-distilled in copper stills fitted with a refrescadera condenser for elegance. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Tobaxiche (Agave karwinskii) is the long-stalked Miahuatlán karwinskii, locally noted as larger and sweeter than same-named karwinskii variants elsewhere in Oaxaca — and the importer stresses this is not interchangeable with other regions' karwinskii. The Ramos family has made mezcal in Miahuatlán for four generations (they also distilled for Mezcaloteca/Mezcalosfera), and Mal Bien bottles their Tobaxiche at cask/puntas-ajuste strength in small numbered batches (200–300 bottles) — a potent, earthy, highly expressive agave spirit that is a favorite among local mezcaleros themselves. Tasting notes: mesquite and encino smoke over pronounced Tobaxiche agave character; lively open-air yeast notes; rich, balanced palate; a finish that echoes the pit roast and copper — one reviewer likened a pour to "green watermelon Jolly Rancher." Among agave spirits, this is the connoisseur's karwinskii.
Tasting notes
Mesquite and encino smoke over pronounced Tobaxiche agave character; lively open-air yeast notes; rich and balanced palate; finish echoes the pit roast and copper. (Per importer and reviewer tasting notes.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- ABV batch-varying (~47–54%) — 750mL, bottled at cask strength
- Tobaxiche (Agave karwinskii) — distinct Miahuatlán karwinskii, not interchangeable with other regions'
- Victor & Emanuel Ramos, 3rd/4th-generation, Mengolí de Morelos, Miahuatlán, Oaxaca
- Small numbered batches (200–300 bottles); pit roast, tahona, refrescadera copper stills
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat, full strength — this is a mezcalero's pour, not a mixer. Let it open for a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tobaxiche?
Agave karwinskii — a long-stalked agave. The Miahuatlán form is locally noted as larger and sweeter than same-named karwinskii elsewhere in Oaxaca.
What proof is it?
Batches range ~47–54% ABV — check the in-stock bottle; do not assume.
Who makes it?
Victor and Emanuel Ramos, father and son, 3rd/4th generations, Mengolí de Morelos, Miahuatlán, Oaxaca.
Is it certified mezcal?
No — like Mal Bien's other Green/White Tape bottlings, it is an uncertified destilado de agave.