Erstwhile Tobala Mezcal

Erstwhile Mezcal is an importer from Brooklyn, New York, specializing in artisanal mezcal. Founded in 2017 by Yuan Ji and Kevin J. Brown, they are laser-focused on helping smaller, family-operated mezcal producers reach the US. This involves education, curation, and extensive research all in order to bring the best traditional small-batch mezcal to the consumer, while enabling the producers to expand.They never meddle with the mezcaleros production process and always pay them fairly, only stepping in when and where their help is needed. This includes fronting legal fees, finding a suitable bottling facility, and any similar hurdles which are overcome at the beginning of every partnership they make. Transparency plays a huge role in the way they operate, always stating where the mezcal is sourced from and actively communicating with the mezcal-loving community.Their very first release was the Erstwhile Mezcal Espadn from Rancho Blanco Gil. While the founders were scouring the Oaxaca countryside for a flagship Espadn Mezcal, they came upon master mezcalero Silverio Garca Luis. They immediately knew theyd found what they were looking for. Complex, elegant, balanced, as well as versatile and good value, it was the perfect fit for their first shipment from Mexico. Since then they have been partnering with some of the finest traditional mezcal producers.Erstwhile describes tobal as "the Yoda of all agaves". The smaller plant has broad leaves and takes between 8 and 12 years to mature and creates a sweet, mellow, and floral mezcal. Erstwhile Tobal Mezcal is crafted in Santiago Matatln, Oaxaca by Juan Hernndez Mndez and Hortensia Hernndez Martnez. The agaves ferment naturally in open wooden vats, before being distilled in a copper alembic still. Bottled at 88 proof, its a traditional, delicious, and approachable take on the popular Mexican spirit.Pick a bottle up today!