Montelobos Mezcal Artesenal Espadin
Montelobos Mezcal Artesenal Espadin is a 43.2% ABV (86.4 proof) artisanal joven mezcal made from 100% organically certified Espadín agave from Loma Larga, Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico. Created by botanist and master distiller Dr. Iván Saldaña and produced by fifth-generation mezcalero Don Abel Lopez, the agaves are roasted 5–7 days in a volcanic-stone earthen pit, crushed by tahona, naturally fermented, and distilled in small copper pots. It comes in a 750mL bottle. Order artisanal mezcal online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 43.2% (86.4 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Agave: 100% organically certified Espadín
- Process: 5–7 day volcanic-stone pit roast; tahona crush; natural fermentation; small copper-pot distillation; unaged (joven)
- Origin: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico
A Botanist's Mezcal
Dr. Iván Saldaña approaches mezcal like a scientist and drinks it like a romantic. Montelobos is built around balancing the four fundamental mezcal flavor profiles — green agave, cooked agave, smoke, and wild fermentation — and the Espadín expression nails it: damp earth, honey, citrus, and freshly cut grass on the nose; a balanced interplay of cooked and green maguey with nuts, herbs, and ripe tropical fruit on the palate; a smooth, medium-long, elegantly earthy finish with lingering smoke. A Gold medalist at the 2019 Tequila & Mezcal Masters. Explore more Montelobos mezcals or compare artisanal styles in the mezcal collection.
Tasting Notes
Damp earth, honey, citrus, and asparagus-grass on the nose; cooked and green maguey, nuts, herbs, apple, pepper, and ripe tropical fruit on the palate; smooth, medium-long finish, elegantly earthy with gentle wood smoke.
How to Enjoy
Sip neat at room temperature in a copita — the four-profile balance shows best unadorned. In cocktails, it brings structure to a mezcal Negroni or a smoky Paloma variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Artesenal" mean in mezcal?
It is the artisanal production category under mezcal's official standard — traditional methods (pit roasting, tahona, copper stills) with some modern equipment allowed.
Is Montelobos organic?
The Espadín agave used is organically certified, sourced from Loma Larga in Oaxaca.
How strong is Montelobos Espadin?
86.4 proof (43.2% ABV) — a touch higher than the standard 80-proof mezcal.
For artisanal mezcal with real balance and pedigree, buy Montelobos Mezcal Artesenal Espadin online from Del Mesa Liquor — pickup or delivery across San Diego, CA.