Vago El Manantial Espadin Mezcal

Mezcal Vago El Manantial Espadín is an approachable, highly sessionable artisanal mezcal crafted by the sons of legendary master mezcalero Don Joel Barriga (Hijos de Barriga) in Tapanalá, Oaxaca. Named after the historic high-elevation local spring (el manantial) that has sustained the village for generations, this unaged joven mezcal uses that pure mountain water for natural wild fermentation in pine vats and to proof down the final spirit. Made from 100% estate-cultivated Maguey Espadín, the agave hearts are pit-roasted and crushed by a stone tahona wheel before being double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The Barriga family takes a slightly deeper distillation cut than usual, a deliberate technical choice that coaxes out an exceptionally bright, fruit-forward profile. This produces enticing aromas of candied green apples, sweet overripe pineapple, and light mesquite smoke, giving way to a smooth palate of grilled tropical fruit, warm cinnamon, and spearmint, with a clean finish of earthy smoke and mineral brightness.  Its approachable proof and robust flavor structure make it both a phenomenal neat sipper and a stellar upgrade for premium mezcal cocktails like a Mezcalita.