Erstwhile Tobalá Mezcal

A sweet and fruity Mezcal made from high-altitude Tobalá agave.

Brooklyn-based Erstwhile Mezcal was founded in 2017 by Yuan Ji — an antitrust lawyer with a longstanding interest in social entrepreneurship and commitment to pro bono service — and Kevin J. Brown, a purveyor of antiquarian maps. They share a passion for the small batch production of exemplary Mezcal still produced in the tiny villages and family farms of central Mexico. Their mission is to discover, curate, and connect these fine Spirits with fellow lovers of the agave arts.

Due to their small size and high altitude growing area, Tobalá agaves tend to be sweeter and mellow with a floral note and full mouth-feel. Like all of their Spirits, Erstwhile Tobalá Mezcal is fermented in open-air vats and distilled in the heart of Mezcal country — Santiago Matatlán — by Master Mezcaleros Juan Hernández Méndez & Hortensia Hernández Martínez who have bottled this sweet little gem at 44% ABV.

Smartass Corner:
Tobalá (agave potatorum) is a small broad-leafed agave that grows best in rocky craggy soil in shady areas at high altitude. It can take from eight to twelve years to mature, depending on climate, terroir, and other factors.