Tepanal Ancestral Tobal 750ML

Tepanal Ancestral Tobal

The Crown Jewel of the \”Hill of Honeycombs\”

In the rugged terrain of Santa Mara Sola de Vega, the elusive Tobal agave grows small and potent, earning its reputation as one of the most prized wild agaves in Oaxaca. Under the guidance of first-generation master distiller Rafael \”Rafa\” Garcia Aragon, this Ancestral Tobal serves as a bridge to the past.

The brand name Tepanal honors the 16th-century history of Rafas home, once called Tepanaltepec. Just as the communitys ancestors once harvested wild honey from these hills, Rafa harvests the wild essence of the Tobal. Distilled in April 2021, this micro-batch of only 180 bottles was fermented in traditional Montezuma Cypress \”canoes\” and double-distilled in clay pots, resulting in a spirit of unparalleled elegance and rarity.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Explosively floral and bright. High notes of gardenia and ripe tropical fruit are grounded by a deep, stony minerality and a hint of caramelized sugar.
• Palate: A delicate, buttery texture that belies its 50% ABV. Expect a sophisticated symphony of flavors: sweet roasted agave, green apple, and white pepper, all wrapped in the soft, earthy \”dustiness\” provided by the clay pot distillation.
• Finish: Clean, crisp, and incredibly long. It leaves a lingering sweetness reminiscent of the \”hill of honeycombs,\” balanced by a subtle, cool mint and a touch of wood smoke.

Masters Note:

Tobal is notoriously difficult to work with due to its small size and low sugar yield. This lot, totaling only 135 liters, represents a rare moment in time where the climate, the wild agave, and the clay pots aligned perfectly.