Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:55 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
- Bozal's Lineup: Bozal offers a varied lineup of mezcals, including Bozal Ensamble, which combines barril, espadin, and Mexicano agaves for a balance of sweetness, smokiness, and rich citrus and herbal notes. It's recommended for both newcomers and seasoned drinkers.
- Unique Varieties: The lineup features distinctive mezcals like Bozal Tobasiche, known for its sweet and salty anise flavor, Bozal Pechuga with its fruity chicken broth taste, and Bozal Cuishe, which stands out for its mineral characteristics.
- Specialty Offerings: Other notable varieties include Bozal Borrego, distilled with lamb leg and fruits for a rich citrus and smoked lamb flavor, and Bozal Tepeztate, known for its spicy, herbaceous, and floral qualities.
- Best Choices: Bozal Ensamble is considered an excellent entry-level option for its approachability and affordability, while Bozal Borrego is highlighted for seasoned drinkers looking for something unique.
- Pricing: The prices for Bozal mezcals range approximately from $50 to $110, offering options for various budgets.
- Selection Criteria: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions from Neil Coleman, and online research, focusing on aroma, taste, finish, and value.
Bozal Ensamble
In an ensamble mezcal, two or more agaves are distilled together in the same batch.
The hearts of different agaves are cooked and fermented together, resulting in Bozal, which combines barril, espadin, and Mexicano agaves.
Ensamble is considered one of the finest sipping mezcals available in the market, offering great value for its price.
It provides a simple and traditional mezcal experience with a delightful balance of sweetness and smokiness, complemented by rich citrus and herbal notes.
Whether you're new to mezcal or a seasoned drinker, Ensamble is a fantastic option to consider.
Bozal Tobasiche
This mezcal is crafted using tobasiche agave, an untamed variety that requires a lengthy twelve to thirteen years to reach its full maturity.
Bozal Tobasiche presents a fragrant aroma characterized by sweet hints of quince, anise, and minerals.
On the palate, a pronounced salty anise flavor emerges.
It's not particularly easy to drink, making it a preferred choice for the seasoned drinker.
Bozal Pechuga
Pechuga, a Spanish word, translates to "breast."
To create pechuga mezcal, the distiller suspends a chicken, turkey, or quail breast above the boiling still.
The heat from the still causes the breast to cook, allowing its flavorful juices to drip into the still.
This unique infusion of flavors contributes to the exceptional character of pechuga mezcal.
During the second distillation, seasonal fruits are added, imparting delightful flavors.
Bozal Pechuga offers a delectable taste profile of fruity chicken broth with a hint of smoke and underlying mineral notes.
For those intrigued by this style of mezcal, Bozal's pechuga is considered one of the finest offerings in the market.
Bozal Cuishe
Cuishe stands out as a distinctive agave variety, known for its vertical growth pattern where a single stalk rises, and its leaves spread at the top, resembling a miniature palm tree.
Harvesting this plant can be challenging, and it is recognized for its pronounced mineral characteristics.
Bozal Cuishe displays a delightful combination of saltiness and smokiness, accompanied by evident citrus and sweet potato notes.
This mezcal is a remarkable choice that will undoubtedly be appreciated by devoted aficionados.
Bozal Borrego
Borrego, the Spanish word for lamb, gives its name to this mezcal.
While pechuga mezcal incorporates chicken breast, this particular mezcal is distilled using a lamb leg along with strawberries, apples, pineapples, pecans, and ginger.
The resulting spirit has a notably thick texture and boasts rich citrus notes, accompanied by the distinct flavor of smoked lamb.
This mezcal is truly one-of-a-kind and produced only in limited quantities. If you ever have the opportunity to try it, don't hesitate.
Although it may not be suitable for vegetarians, this mezcal's delectable and unique meaty undertone makes it a true culinary delight.
Bozal Tepeztate
Tepeztate, alternatively spelled tepextate, holds a special place as my favorite agave due to its remarkable and intense spicy flavors, which contribute to an exceptional beverage.
This agave variety grows in the wild and takes up to 25 years to fully mature.
When nosing Bozal Tepextate, one can perceive herbaceous aromas reminiscent of wet stone, grapefruit zest, orange flower, and pine.
On the palate, this mezcal reveals a luxurious floral flavor intertwined with notes of white pepper, minerals, and spices.
Due to its more challenging nature, tepeztate is best enjoyed by seasoned drinkers who can truly appreciate its unique qualities.
Bozal Tobala
Tobala is widely regarded as the king of mezcals, although as a tepextate enthusiast, I have a different perspective.
This agave plant is small in size and requires up to 15 years to mature in the wild.
It is renowned for its captivating combination of intense fruity and floral notes.
The distillation of this mezcal takes place in clay pots, which contributes unique earthy undertones while providing a smooth character to the spirit.
Bozal Tobala achieves a nice harmony between citrus and earthy flavors, accompanied by subtle smoky nuances.
The finish is clean and leaves a lasting impression with its vibrant tropical fruity notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Bozal Mezcal stand out?
- Bozal Mezcal is celebrated for capturing the untamed essence of mezcal, highlighting the exceptional varieties of agave used. Owned by the 3 Badge Beverage Corporation, Bozal collaborates with skilled independent distillers across Mexico to craft some of the finest mezcals available, emphasizing the raw and natural flavors of the agave plant.
Which Bozal Mezcal is best for beginners?
- Ensamble is recommended as an entry-level option, offering an affordable, smooth, and fruity experience with subtle smoke notes. It's approachable and serves as a delightful alternative to Tequila, making it perfect for those new to mezcal.
Which Bozal Mezcal offers a unique experience for seasoned drinkers?
- Borrego stands out as a distinctive choice for experienced mezcal enthusiasts. It's known for its novel flavor profile, making it a must-have in any collector's selection, offering a truly unique tasting experience.
How to Drink?
- Mezcal is best savored neat or over ice to appreciate its complex aromas and flavors fully. Pouring mezcal into a tumbler is ideal, and for those who prefer chilled drinks, whisky stones are recommended to maintain temperature without dilution.
Where to Buy?
- In the United States, options include Drizly and Uptown Spirits.
- For Canadian customers, Uptown Spirits is suggested.
- In the UK, the Whisky Exchange offers a selection.
- Australia-based enthusiasts can find Bozal Mezcal at Top Shelf Tequila.
Pricing
- Prices vary by expression, with Ensamble at around $50, making it an affordable option for newcomers. Other varieties like Tobasiche, Tepeztate, and Cuishe are priced around $70-$72, while Borrego and Pechuga are in the higher range, $95-$98, and Tobala tops the list at $110.
Onwership
- Bozal is part of the 3 Badge Beverage Corporation, led by August Sebastiani, a fourth-generation vintner. The brand is known for its dedication to authenticity and quality, working closely with independent distillers in Mexico to ensure each bottle of Bozal Mezcal reflects the spirit and tradition of mezcal making.