Last Updated on: 24th January 2024, 07:52 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.
This post answers all your related questions about Agave Jabali Mezcal.
Written by: J Highland
Key Takeaways
- Unique Agave Source: Jabali mezcal is made from agave convallis, known as maguey Jabali. It’s less common than agave espadin, comprising less than 1% of mezcal production due to cultivation and processing challenges.
- Distinct Characteristics: The Jabali agave ages 25 years in the wild, requires a large amount of agave for a single bottle, and its fermentation and distillation are more complex, often needing triple distillation.
- Consumption Recommendations: Best enjoyed neat using a tumbler to concentrate the aromas. Whiskey rocks can be used for slight chilling without diluting the flavors.
- Pricing: Jabali mezcal typically is more expensive than common espadin mezcals, often exceeding $100, reflecting the elaborate production process and rarity.
- Recommended Brands:
- Rey Campero Jabali
- El Jolgorio Jabali
- Del Maguey Wild Jabali
- Bozal Jabali
- Mal Bien Jabali
What is Agave Jabali Mezcal?
“Jabali mezcal is crafted from the agave convallis, commonly referred to as maguey Jabali. While the majority of Mezcals are produced using the widely available agave espadin, which accounts for over 80% of production in the state of Oaxaca, Jabali mezcal represents less than 1% of the overall Mezcal production. This scarcity is due to the unique characteristics of the Jabali agave, which present challenges in its cultivation and processing.”, states Mezcal expert Neil Coleman.
Characteristics
- Jabali agave stands out with its remarkable aging period of 25 years in the wild, making it unique among other agave varieties.
- The production process of Jabali mezcal is further challenged by its low yield. It takes approximately 100 pounds (45 kgs) of agave to produce a single bottle, highlighting the relatively poor ratio compared to other agave types.
- Working with Jabali presents additional difficulties during fermentation and distillation. This agave has a tendency to foam and expand, posing a risk of the liquid bursting out of the still’s seams.
- Due to the complexities involved, Jabali mezcal typically undergoes triple distillation rather than the more common double distillation process.
Mezcals produced with Jabali agave are highly regarded and often considered among the finest in quality.
However, due to the challenges and unique characteristics of Jabali agave, these mezcals are typically priced at a premium.
Producers take into account the inconveniences and complexities associated with working with Jabali agave, and this is reflected in the pricing of each bottle.
The craftsmanship and meticulousness required to produce mezcal with Jabali agave contribute to its reputation and justify the higher price point.
How to drink it?
Jabali mezcal is ideally sipped neat to fully appreciate its rich and complex flavors.
Using a tumbler enhances this experience, as its design concentrates the spirit’s aromas for a deeper sensory immersion.
For those who enjoy a cooler drink, whiskey rocks are a great option.
These stones cool the mezcal slightly while avoiding dilution, maintaining the integrity of its flavors and aromas.
This approach allows you to savor the distinct characteristics of Jabali mezcal, ensuring an unaltered and complete appreciation of its unique taste profile.
Prices
Jabali mezcal typically carries a premium price over common espadin mezcals, owing to its distinct complexities and scarcity.
The elaborate production and challenges of harvesting Jabali agave justify the higher price, often exceeding $100.
The cost varies based on region, importation fees, and market dynamics.
Be wary of unusually low-priced Jabali mezcal, as it might raise concerns about quality and authenticity.
To truly appreciate Jabali mezcal, it’s advisable to invest in a bottle that accurately represents its craftsmanship and offers an authentic tasting experience.
Recommendations
I’ll share with you a list of my favorite Jabali Mezcals:
Rey Campero Jabali
Rey Campero, a distinguished distiller in Oaxaca, operates a single distillery, ensuring consistent, high-quality mezcal production.
Their commitment extends beyond craftsmanship to preserving wild agave species amidst the mezcal industry’s expansion.
Their proactive conservation efforts highlight their dedication to sustainability.
The Rey Campero Jabali Mezcal, with its unique blend of sweet potato, ground pepper, leather, vanilla, and subtle smokiness, showcases their devotion to creating a rich, flavorful experience.
El Jolgorio Jabali
El Jolgorio, a premium brand by Casa Cortes, is celebrated for its exceptional quality, rooted in the family’s mezcal-making history since 1840.
Their El Jolgorio Jabali mezcal is distinguished by a creamy texture and a rich flavor profile featuring tobacco, wood, cinnamon, and butterscotch.
Available in limited releases, these small-batch spirits are highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs for their artistry and rarity, offering a unique and extraordinary experience.
Del Maguey Wild Jabali
Del Maguey was established by Ron Cooper, who embarked on extensive travels throughout Oaxaca, collaborating closely with local communities in his mission to introduce Mezcal to the wider world.
In the 1990s, Cooper founded Del Maguey, playing a significant role in raising the profile of Mezcal among American consumers.
Through the mezcal boom, Ron Cooper has contributed to creating numerous job opportunities in Oaxaca, making a meaningful impact on the local economy.
Del Maguey’s Jabali mezcal is characterized as a lighter and more approachable expression.
Its aromatic profile presents enticing notes of figs, apples, anise, and a hint of Parmesan cheese.
On the palate, it unveils a delightful floral character accompanied by herbal nuances of tarragon and sandalwood.
Bozal Jabali
Bozal, a leading mezcal brand, is renowned for its diverse and highly-rated expressions.
Known for quality, Bozal consistently impresses with its offerings.
Their ceramic bottles add a distinctive touch to the presentation.
Aromatically, Bozal mezcals enchant with lavender and sage notes.
The palate experiences fresh, green vegetable flavors like celery and parsley, culminating in a unique taste.
The finish is marked by a persistent black pepper note, adding a spicy dimension to the mezcal’s flavor profile.
Mal Bien Jabali
Mal Bien is a distinguished assemblage of quality agave spirits sourced from small-scale producers throughout Mexico.
Within their collection, Jabali mezcal is crafted by the Sanchez brothers, Chucho and Poncho, who represent the fourth generation of mezcal distillers hailing from Chichicapam, Oaxaca.
Jabali mezcal surprises with a distinctive aroma, as a pronounced hint of strawberries emerges, lending a unique character to this expression.
The flavor profile is a delightful combination of floral and fruity notes, complemented by a touch of spiciness and enriched by a prominent smoky essence.
As a result, Jabali stands as a flavorsome spirit and undoubtedly ranks among the finest in its category.