Los Vecinos Mezcal Tobala
Los Vecinos Mezcal Tobala (750mL, 46% ABV / 92 proof) is a wild-agave joven mezcal from the Valles Centrales of Oaxaca — 100% maguey Tobalá, a rare wild agave that grows only under certain high-altitude conditions beneath oak shade and reproduces by pollination, which the brand likens to a truffle. Made by ten mezcalero families in partnership with Casa San Matías and backed by Sazerac, it is produced artesanal: agave hearts slow-roasted underground for days, crushed by stone molino, naturally fermented in wooden vats, and double-distilled in copper pot stills. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof) — 750mL, unaged joven
- Agave: 100% wild maguey Tobalá — rare, oak-shade, high-altitude agave
- Process: artesanal — earth-pit roast, stone-molino crush, natural wooden-vat fermentation, double copper-pot distillation
- Origin: Valles Centrales de Oaxaca, Mexico — ten mezcalero families + Casa San Matías, Sazerac Company
- Recognition: Best in Show + Double Gold + Best of Class, 2021 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
The Truffle of the Agave World
“Los Vecinos del Campo” means “neighbors of the field,” and the name is the business model: Sazerac and one of Mexico’s oldest tequila houses, Casa San Matías, built the line with ten Oaxacan mezcalero families rather than around them. The Tobalá expression launched in 2019 after the debut Espadín, and judges have been generous ever since — Best in Show at the 2021 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, Double Gold at San Francisco, Gold at the International Spirits Challenge. In the glass it runs earthy with floral undertones and citrus zest up front, tropical fruit — mango, custard apple, pineapple — mid-palate, and a spiced finish with a jalapeño-like warmth. Explore Los Vecinos or the mezcal shelf.
Tasting Notes
Earthy aromas with floral undertones and citrus zest; an initial sweetness giving way to tropical fruits — mango, custard apple, pineapple; a spiced finish with a jalapeño-like warmth and a whisper of smoke (per company copy and competition judging).
How to Enjoy
Neat in a copita at room temperature — this is a contemplative wild-agave pour, not a mixer. Pair with citrus-and-salt sal de gusano, or simply take small sips and chase with an orange slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tobala agave?
A wild maguey variety that grows naturally only under specific conditions — high altitude, beneath oak shade — and reproduces by pollination, making it rare and slow-maturing.
How is Los Vecinos Tobala made?
Artesanal: agave hearts roasted underground for days, crushed with a stone molino, naturally fermented in wooden vats, and double-distilled in copper pot stills. Unaged joven.
Who makes Los Vecinos mezcal?
Ten mezcalero families in Oaxaca in partnership with Casa San Matías, with the line backed by the Sazerac Company.
Wild tobala, honored properly — order Los Vecinos Mezcal Tobala online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.