Montelobos Espadin Mezcal

Mezcals are a pretty pricey passion, with most bottles costing well over a Benjamin. Montelobos, however, has miraculously managed to make a top-notch spirit with a more earth-bound price. Montelobos is the brainchild of Dr. Iván Saldaña, a native of Jalisco, who, after receiving a Ph.D. in biology (studying agave plants) in the UK, returned to Mexico to work in the spirits business. He founded Casa Lumbre and introduced Ancho Reyes Chili liqueur, Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky, Nixta Licor, and Montelobos. Don Abel Lopez, a 5th generation mezcalero uses organically grown agaves, which he roasts in a volcanic stone pit for 5-7 days, before crushing with a stone tahona and fermenting with natural yeast. Citrus and white pepper notes abound, along with pineapple, grass, and a stony volcanic smokiness. It's the best under-$50 mezcal around.