Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave and the word comes from the Nahuatl language mexcalli, which means ‘oven-cooked agave’. While all tequilas are considered mezcals, not all mezcals can be tequilas. Even though tequila and mezcal are both agave-based distilled spirits, tequila can only be made out of blue agave —agave tequilana— and that is one of the main differences between these two Mexican spirits, not to mention the prominent smoky flavor of mezcal on the palate.

Connoisseurs of Mezcal can argue for hours about the best mezcals and what makes them unique; however, one thing they cannot argue about when gauging the quality of a particular mezcal is the morning-after effect on the body. Mezcal is not for the faint of heart and that’s exactly why only the best mezcals should make it down your throat.

Mezcal can be distilled from 30+ different types of agave —maguey— plants and the most popular varieties of agave include tobalá, tobaziche, tepeztate, arroqueño and espadín. The last one happens to make almost 90% of all the mezcals out there.

A relatively new mezcal is Las Garrafas line of mezcals that come straight from Oaxaca, Mexico. Available in four different varieties depending on the type of agave that’s been utilized, Las Garrafas is one of the few brands to offer a mezcal that blends in up to three different types of agave. Currently available are the Serpiente Rosada —pink snake—, Quetzal —quetzal—, Mono Azul —blue monkey—, and the Máscara de Xaguar Naranja —orange jaguar mask.

Las Garrafas Máscara de Xaguar Naranja Mezcal is an elegant, soft and exquisite mezcal made of three different agave —maguey— plants. A blend of tobalá silvestre, arroqueño and espadín. Due to its selection of agaves, blends of unique distillation, and explicit attention to detail, Las Garrafas mezcal has been awarded multiple times internationally.

The authenticity of Oaxaca’s finest mezcal comes to life with every sip. Las Garrafas is the work of Mexico’s most talented mezcaleros —mezcal makers—devoted to upholding the tradition handed to them by their ancestors. Las Garrafas Máscara de Xaguar Naranja Mezcal exalts the senses. It is the feel of the finest silk, the resonance of an orchestra playing in perfect harmony, the masterstroke that distinguishes the most prized works of art. In each of its varieties, Las Garrafas promises a higher grade of refinement, elegance, and the purest blends. Its portfolio infuses the splendid essence of the land in an offering worthy of a celebration of life. Described as a mezcal joven —young mezcal—, this mezcal is under the oversight of the master mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos in San Pablo Huixtepec, Oaxaca.

Just like a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, in Oaxaca, Mexico traditions never die, they just evolve and are both ancestral in origin, yet modern in style. The authenticity of the Las Garrafas mezcal is based on ancient revered legacy, reinvented in every sip and hand-crafted through a meticulous process that includes cooking, smoking, shredding, fermenting and aging the spirit.

Once the jimador —farmer who harvests the agave plants by striking them— has removed the sharp fleshy leaves of the plant, then he can reach the precious hearts. Master mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos carefully selects ripe plants that include tobalá —8 to 10 years old—, espadín —6 to 8 years old—, and arroqueño —15 to 20 years old. During the cooking process, the piñas —hearts of agave plant named that way because of their resemblance to a pineapple— are strategically placed by the master mezcalero in a cone-shaped oven pit, fired by red oak wood and lined with blue river stones for 3 days.

Fermented with natural spring water, this mezcal is triple distilled with the first and third distillations done in copper stills, while the second one takes place in earthen pots. Lastly, the final product is bottled in a limited edition of only 4,000 bottles per lot.

Very easy on the palate, the Las Garrafas Máscara de Xaguar Naranja Mezcal is meant to be drunk neat in a wineglass and accompanied by the usual orange wedge and sal de gusano —agave worm salt mix. Its smoky-sweet aroma with hints of cocoa and citrus, and a cinnamon and chocolaty aftertaste are meant to please the most demanding mezcal drinker palates.

Sticker Price $240 USD. For more info on Las Garrafas click here.