Montelobos Mezcal Joven

Montelobos Mezcal Joven is produced in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, under the direction of renowned mezcalero Iván Saldaña. The distillery works with espadín agave, the most widely cultivated variety in the region, grown at elevations around 5,000 feet in the Oaxacan highlands.

The agaves are roasted in traditional conical earthen pits lined with volcanic rock, which imparts the characteristic smokiness associated with quality mezcal. After roasting, the agave is crushed using a tahona, a large stone wheel pulled by horse, before undergoing natural fermentation in open-air wooden vats.

The liquid is then double-distilled in copper pot stills, a process that helps preserve the vegetal character of the agave while refining the spirit.

Montelobos positions itself as a bridge between artisanal production and accessible pricing, making it a solid entry point for those exploring mezcal beyond mass-market options. The joven expression is unaged, allowing the roasted agave and earthy smoke to remain at the forefront without oak influence.

This bottle works well sipped neat or as the foundation for mezcal cocktails where you want smoke without overwhelming the other ingredients. For a Kitsilano home bar looking to add a versatile, well-made mezcal at a reasonable price point, Montelobos delivers honest craft without pretension.