Palalma \”Oaxaca\” San Martinero (Karwinskii) Agave Spirit 750ml

Pal\’alma Destilado de Agave \’San Martinero – Oaxaca\’

Discover a true gem from the heart of Oaxaca with Pal\’alma Destilado de Agave \’San Martinero – Oaxaca\’. Crafted by the revered Maestros Mezcaleros Apolonio & Simen Ramirez in Ejutla, this exceptional spirit showcases the rare and highly sought-after San Martinero (Agave karwinskii). Known for their iconic work within local traditions, the Ramirez family\’s mezcales are a testament to generations of expertise, now proudly bottled commercially by Erick Rodriguez of Pal\’alma.

This Destilado de Agave begins with 100% San Martinero agave, meticulously harvested at a maturity of 13 to 17 years from its unique geographic footprint near a small river in Oaxaca\’s southern mountains. The pias are slow-cooked in a traditional earthen and stone pit oven and then milled using a stone tahona. Fermentation occurs naturally in huamuche wood vats (tinas) for an extended 5-12 days, allowing for deep flavor development. In the local Ejutla style, this spirit undergoes a single distillation using a copper pot still with an external condenser (refrescadera)a hybrid column featuring a couple of plates that yields a remarkably silky and dense agave spirit at a higher ABV. After distillation, it\’s rested for over a year in glass before bottling, concentrating an abundance of complexity and sensation. Bottled at a robust 58% ABV (may vary by batch), this expression stands among the most compelling examples of the Agave karwinskii species you\’ll ever encounter.

Tasting Notes:

Prepare for a profound and captivating journey, where savory depth meets unexpected brightness, all underpinned by a firm mineral backbone.

• Aroma: The nose is an intricate tapestry of both savory and joyful notes. Intriguing savory aromas of almond skin, celery seed, and roasted sweet potato dance with a rustic touch of wet bark. These deeper tones are beautifully lifted by vibrant, almost ethereal, notes of white chocolate, delicate orange blossom, and fresh, ripe guava. A firm grounding of slate and iron provides a clear mineral foundation, hinting at the spirit\’s earthy origins.
• Palate: The palate delivers on the aromatic promise with remarkable intensity and silkiness. The roasted sweetness of the sweet potato comes forward, seamlessly blending with the subtle bitterness of almond skin and the unique herbal freshness of celery seed. The brighter notes of white chocolate and orange blossom unfold, offering a gentle sweetness and floral elegance. The juicy, tropical essence of fresh guava adds a delightful fruitiness. Throughout, a compelling mineral backbone of slate and iron provides structure and depth, a clear expression of its terroir.
• Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, dense, and remarkably complex, a testament to the single-pass distillation and high ABV. The interplay of savory and sweet notes lingers, with the roasted sweet potato and almond skin gently fading into a persistent mineral earthiness. The bright floral and fruity notes subtly resurface, leaving a clean, yet profoundly intricate, impression that invites reflection and truly showcases the concentrated essence of the San Martinero agave.

Pal\’alma Destilado de Agave \’San Martinero – Oaxaca\’ is a masterful creation, embodying the rich heritage and unparalleled skill of the Ramirez family. It\’s an essential experience for aficionados seeking the purest and most compelling expressions of Agave karwinskii.