Doña Vega Mezcal
ABOUT:
Doña Vega Mezcal was founded by Mexican-American entrepreneur Sonya Vega, who set out to demystify the spirit and build an approachable bridge between old-world Mexican traditions and modern palettes. Handcrafted in small batches within a remote, fifth-generation palenque in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, the operation is proudly run by a mother and her three daughters. Doña Vega focuses on creating organic, remarkably smooth, and versatile spirits that consciously restrain the overwhelming, harsh smoke often associated with industrial mezcals. Every step adheres to time-honored practices dating back to the 1500s: agaves are cooked in underground stone furnaces fueled by oak wood and volcanic river stones, naturally fermented, and double-distilled to proof in classic copper stills. To honor a local palenque ritual meant to protect the harvest from superstition, the producers add a literal pinch of chili and salt during the cooking process.
WEBSITE:
https://mezcaldonavega.com/
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Espadín: Crafted from 100% Agave angustifolia that is uniquely allowed to over-ripen in the fields for nine years. This relies on the rare "Capón" method, where the agave's central stalk is cut prior to flowering, forcing the plant to concentrate its natural sugars. The resulting spirit greets the nose with a bright, approachable bouquet of roasted agave, mint, and fresh green herbs. On the palate, it delivers a clean, delicate profile featuring notes of tropical fruit, charred marshmallow, and soft, comforting oak smoke, culminating in a crisp white pepper finish.
Tobalá: A super-premium connoisseur’s sipping mezcal produced from the small, rare, and highly sought-after wild Tobalá maguey harvested responsibly from high desert canyons. Because the wild plants take up to 12 to 15 years to fully mature, production is extremely limited. The nose is wonderfully subtle, sweet, and complex. The velvety, full-bodied mouthfeel presents a rich, ethereal creosote smoke that elegantly evolves into decadent undertones of sweet nougat, dark cocoa, toasted walnuts, and rich vanilla, leaving an endless, remarkably smooth finish.