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Puntiagudo Sierra Negra (A. Americana) K&L Exclusive Batch RL-SRN-09 Ruben Lopez Santa Catarina Alberradas Uncertified Mezcal (750ml)

Puntiagudo Sierra Negra (A. Americana) K&L Exclusive Batch RL-SRN-09 Ruben Lopez Santa Catarina Alberradas Uncertified Mezcal (750ml)

$79.99

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David Othenin-Girard

David Othenin-Girard

K&L Buyer
Review Date: April 2025
Another spectacular ancestral Puntiagudo! That is to say it's distilled in tiny 80-liter clay pots, crushed by hand and undiluted. Here the wonderful Ruben Lopez in the tiny mountain town of Santa Catarina Albarradas used 19-year-old Sierra Negra agave to produce this miniature batch. This agave, known as Agave americana var. oaxacensis, is one of the slowest growing, massive agaves. Ornamental versions of this massive plant are found throughout California, but the plants in Albarradas grow to an enormous size, but the sugar levels are incredibly low. This tiny 60 liter batch used 770 kg (1700 lbs)—that's almost 30 lbs of agave per liter of mezcal. Anyway, this stuff is crazy rare. Let's try it. A glistening crystal color. The nose is a huge mountain mineral bomb with some subtle vegetal characteristics that point toward tepextate. There's a savory saltiness on the nose too - almost like a cured ham or dry-aged steak, but this mingles among fresh herbs, dried citrus peels and a creamy, almost chocolate-like character. On the palate, it's very rich and creamy with this big mole note permeating the mid-palate—chili and chocolate. It's by far the most robust of the four Puntiagudo exclusive batches we have with a hefty power and darker side, albeit still off the overt smoke. We're so lucky to have access to such high-quality mezcal for such an incredible price, and if you like the 5 Sentidos Albarradas Sierra Negras, this is a must-try.

Notes

Rubén, born in Santa Catarina Albarradas in May 1971, embraced the tradition of making mezcal from a young age, assisting his father and grandfather. Only completing elementary school, his passion for the craft was matched by his love for hunting and playing clarinet. n 2005, Rubén sought better opportunities in Los Angeles, California, but soon returned due to a dislike for the high-pressure environment. Back home, he refurbished his palenque, constructed in 1994, consistently supported by his wife, Bertha. Rubén is fond of the mezcal he distills using "Mountain Green Maguey," a Salmiana species that grows at high altitudes. Today, he dedicates himself to teaching young people the art of mezcal production, involving his sons Adolfo and Emmanuel in this endeavor. Dreaming of continuity and community development through his work, Rubén collaborates with César, the founder of Despatriado and Puntiagudo, to craft unique Mezcals and Agave Spirits since 2021. This partnership has brought economic stability and improved living conditions for Rubén and his family. This beautiful batch of Sierra Negra - the massive slow growing plant that thrives in this high altitude village- was 19 years old when harvested. Cooked underground and mashed by hand it was distilled the 20th of November 2023 in small clay pots twice before bottling without water additions at 48.2%. Only 60 liters of this magnificent ancestral mezcal were produced and are sold exclusively at K&L.

Details

OriginOaxaca, Mexico
Type/VarietalMezcal
Alcohol Content48%
SKU1861444