Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:25 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 Tobala Mezcal questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Key Takeaways
- Definition: Crafted from the tobala maguey plant (agave Potatorum), it is the fourth most favored mezcal type, following espadin, cupreata, and cuish. Tobala plants are smaller, thrive in high-altitude areas of Oaxaca and Puebla, and require up to 15 years to mature.
- Taste Profile: Tobala mezcal is known for its aromatic experience with prominent tropical fruit notes and subtle spice hints. It’s a spirit highly valued by genuine mezcal enthusiasts and has a 15-year maturation process in the wild.
- Consumption Recommendations: Best enjoyed neat in small sips to appreciate its exceptional qualities. Using a whisky glass is recommended to enhance the appreciation of its delicate aromas.
- Recommended Brands:
- Del Maguey Tobala
- Montelobos Tobala
- Real Minero Tobala
What is Tobala Mezcal?
Tobala mezcal is a variety of mezcal crafted from the tobala maguey plant, scientifically referred to as agave Potatorum.
With this information, you now possess a greater understanding of mezcal than most individuals.
Tobala mezcal ranks as the fourth most favored type of mezcal, following the widespread espadin, cupreata, and cuish varieties, states agave spirits expert Neil Coleman.
Characteristics
Tobalá is a small plant, approximately one-eighth the size of an espadin agave.
It thrives in elevated areas of Oaxaca and Puebla, typically found at an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level.
This agave variety prefers to grow in shaded rocky canyons.
It requires up to 15 years to reach full maturity.
This particular agave relies on animals, such as birds and bats, to disperse its seeds, which contributes to its rarity and higher price in the market.
How does it taste?
Tobala mezcal offers an aromatic experience, characterized by prominent tropical fruit notes and subtle hints of spice.
It is a flavorful spirit highly regarded by genuine mezcal enthusiasts. If you ever have the opportunity to try it, I encourage you to savor the experience.
This remarkable spirit has undergone a 15-year maturation process in the wild, showcasing a rare achievement that sets it apart from many other spirits.
How to drink it?
Enjoy it straight, avoid taking shots!
Tobala mezcal deserves to be savored neat, allowing its exceptional qualities to shine.
To fully appreciate its flavors, it is recommended to take small sips.
Using a whisky glass is highly recommended as it enhances the appreciation of its delicate aromas.
Recommendations
Quick Note: 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 and online research.
Del Maguey Tobala
Del Maguey was founded by Ron Cooper, who is credited with introducing mezcal to the United States.
Cooper embarked on extensive travels throughout the Mexican state of Oaxaca, gathering a talented team of distillers to establish the most renowned mezcal brand north of the Mexican border.
One of Del Maguey’s exquisite creations is handcrafted in the picturesque town of Santa Maria Albarradas, located in the mountainous region of Oaxaca.
This mezcal presents a lovely nose, characterized by fruity and floral aromas.
On the palate, you can expect flavors of mango, and cinnamon, a subtle hint of saltiness, and a satisfyingly creamy finish.
As a premium offering, it is worth noting that Del Maguey mezcal is priced at approximately $120 USD, reflecting its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Montelobos Tobala
Montelobos, a certified organic mezcal producer, emphasizes sustainable agave cultivation amidst the mezcal boom, avoiding using wild agave species.
Their tobala mezcal entices with lemon, green pepper, and pear aromas while offering citrus, fig, macadamia, and truffle flavors on the palate.
Priced around $90, it’s an affordable yet high-quality choice for mezcal lovers.
Real Minero Tobala
Real Minero, celebrated as one of Mexico’s finest mezcal producers since 1898, stands out for its total control over production, including growing its own agaves.
Their palenque in Santa Catarina de Minas is a must-visit for mezcal enthusiasts.
The tobala mezcal, distilled in clay pots, boasts an earthy, mildly spicy flavor with hints of coconut and orange.
Its high quality and rarity make it a prized, premium spirit, commanding a significant price.
El Jolgorio Tobala
Jolgorio, which translates to “celebration” in Spanish, is a brand owned by the Cortes family, who have been involved in the mezcal business for an impressive 150 years.
In addition to Jolgorio, they also craft other renowned brands such as Nuestra Soledad and Agave de Cortes.
This particular tobala mezcal from Jolgorio has remarkable qualities, characterized by robust flavors of sweet potato, orange, and a touch of sweetness.
El Jolgorio offers a smooth and creamy texture, delivering an extraordinary and enjoyable drinking experience.
Currently, this exceptional mezcal is priced at around $180 USD.
5 Sentidos Tobala
Alberto Martinez, a top mezcal distiller in Mexico, crafts the esteemed 5 Sentidos Tobala mezcal.
This labor-intensive process requires 240 agave hearts for just 100 liters.
The hearts are cooked in an underground oven, hand-crushed, fermented in stone tanks, and double-distilled in clay pots.
As a genuine small-batch spirit, each 100-liter batch receives thorough attention, offering a unique tasting experience.