Noble Coyote
ABOUT:
Noble Coyote is a deeply traditional, artisanal mezcal brand that draws its name and philosophy from the coyote—a revered mythological creature in Zapotec and Mesoamerican culture associated with wisdom, guidance, and supernatural proportions. Based in Oaxaca, the brand collaborates with multiple Maestro Mezcaleros across renowned villages like San Luis Amatlán and Santiago Matatlán. Noble Coyote is fiercely committed to sustainability and the preservation of wild agaves; they operate their own seed banks, maintain robust reforestation programs, and are recognized as pioneers in semi-cultivating notoriously difficult wild varietals like Tobalá and Coyote. Their production strictly adheres to artisanal methods: agaves are cooked in traditional stone-lined earthen floor ovens, crushed either by a heavy stone tahona or by hand using wooden mallets, naturally fermented in Sabino wood vats, and double-distilled in copper alembic stills. Every bottle proudly displays the specific maestro's name, village, agave species, and batch number.
WEBSITE:
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Espadín: The brand’s foundational, unaged expression crafted from cultivated Agave angustifolia (Espadín). It presents an incredibly vibrant, fresh profile. The nose is dominated by bright green, herbaceous aromas intertwined with subtle hints of anise and a delicate, polite wisp of smoke. On the palate, the sweet roasted agave shines, delivering evolving notes of chocolate, warm spices, and wet earth, concluding with a remarkably smooth, medium-long finish.
Tobalá: A highly sought-after expression distilled from Agave potatorum. Because the brand actively semi-cultivates this historically wild, rosette-shaped agave to protect the ecosystem, this mezcal is a triumph of sustainability. It opens with robust, savory aromas of smoky bacon, fireside embers, and dried orange peel. The palate is deeply complex, rewarding the drinker with a luxurious earthiness, rich chocolate, and a uniquely sweet, almost cotton-candy-like fruitiness that gives way to a bold, peppery finish.
Jabalí: An incredibly rare, exotic mezcal crafted from wild Agave convallis (Jabalí) that takes over a decade to mature. This agave is notoriously difficult to distill due to its intense foaming during fermentation and low sugar content, often requiring up to four distillations. The result is a mystical, highly complex spirit. It offers an evocative fusion of lemongrass, anise, and eucalyptus, layered over a refined, elegant smoke. The palate is beautifully spiced and herbal, finishing with a crisp, clean minerality.
Coyote: A masterful expression crafted from the elusive Maguey Coyote (often classified within the Americana or Karwinskii families depending on the exact regional harvest). Honoring the brand's namesake, this wild and semi-cultivated agave yields an eccentric, highly structural profile. The nose is uniquely spiced with aromas of white pepper, marzipan, and raw vanilla. The tasting journey is distinctly woody and herbal, heavily driven by the rocky soils of Amatlán to deliver a dry, spicy, and intensely mineral finish.
Lyobaá: The crown jewel of their collection, crafted from a rare endemic agave that only flourishes in the Amatlánes region. Noble Coyote is the first project to successfully distill this agave from seed. It is exceptionally unique, captivating the senses with unexpected aromas of fresh-cut wood and sweet dulce de leche. The palate weaves together white pepper, bay leaf, and rich cajeta (Mexican caramel), leaving a boldly spicy and dry aftertaste.
Ensambles: Noble Coyote frequently releases award-winning field blends (such as their highly decorated Espadín & Jabalí or Espadín & Tobalá blends). These masterful ensambles balance the robust, exotic spices and herbal qualities of the wild agaves with the sweet, highly approachable fruitiness of the Espadín base.