Salvadores Mezcal Destilado Con Tamarindo Y Chiles Mezcal Artesanal 100% Agave Espadín 750ml

Inspired by the popular pairing of tamarind and chile found in the streets of Oaxaca and Los Angeles, particularly in micheladas, Salvador set out to capture those flavors in a mezcal. Working with Maestro Mezcalero Flavio Pérez Méndez at Casa Palacios in Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca, he created a unique expression that brings together the tangy sweetness of tamarind and the earthy character of traditional Oaxacan chiles.

The foundation is 100% Espadín agave, matured for eight years before being roasted in a traditional earthen pit using sustainably harvested Encino oak. The cooked agave is then crushed by a horse-drawn stone tahona, fermented in wooden vats with well water, and distilled twice in a copper pot still. What makes this mezcal particularly interesting happens during the second distillation, when raw tamarind sourced near San Luis del Río is added alongside four freshly cut Oaxacan chiles: morita, árbol, guajillo, and ancho. The distillation captures the earthy, savory character of the peppers without carrying over their aggressive heat, allowing the tamarind and chile to complement the natural character of the Espadín.

At 45.2% ABV, the result is a wonderfully expressive mezcal with aromas of dried chiles, subtle sweetness, and fresh vegetal notes. The palate is full-bodied and layered, with earthy, roasted flavors balanced by the tangy sweetness of tamarind and a gentle, lingering warmth from the chiles. There's a lovely savory quality throughout, followed by a long, smooth finish. What makes this mezcal stand out is its ability to deliver the unmistakable character of tamarind and chile without becoming overly sweet or aggressively spicy. It's a beautifully balanced expression where the ingredients enhance rather than overpower the agave. Distinctive enough to intrigue seasoned mezcal drinkers, yet approachable enough for someone exploring the category, this is a bottle that deserves a place on the sipping table and behind the cocktail bar.