Inspiration: We are honored to carry on the legacy of Maestro Mezcalero Fernando Santibañez, who defined the essence of Xicaru. With each bottle of this Tobalá Mezcal, we pay tribute to Fernando — extraordinary husband, father, and friend — for his passion, hard work, respect, and patience.Production: Tobalá prefers rocky, shaded soil at higher altitude. It only grows from seed, takes 10-15 years to mature, and is one of the smallest magueys in terms of size and yield. We harvest the finest Tobalá and roast it for a minimum of four days. It is then tahona mashed, naturally fermented, and double distilled to a final proof of 94.Tasting Notes: Xicaru Tobalá Mezcal has a crystalline appearance with aromatic notes both floral and intensely herbal. On the palate it tastes pleasingly earthy and semi-sweet, with the subtlest hint of smoke. The finish is long-lasting and pleasant.The Jaguar and the Tobalá: Our bright green label reflects the vibrancy of Tobalá; the deep purple hue is found in the sharp, spiny tip of each leaf. The chain-embroidery pattern represents the heritage of Fernando’s hometown of Tehuantepec. And the city of Tehuantepec itself was named after the fearless jaguar, which Xicaru Mezcal proudly calls its own.