Mezcal Marca Negra Tobala

Mezcal Marca Negra Tobalá is a rare and expressive mezcal crafted from wild Tobalá agave, delivering an elegant balance of smoky depth, vibrant fruit, and savory minerality. At 46.8% ABV, it retains bold character without edging into harshness—ideal for serious mezcal lovers seeking something memorable.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This expression is produced in San Luis Del Río, Oaxaca, Mexico, using 100% wild Tobalá (Agave potatorum) harvested from steep mountain slopes. The agave plants are small and long-maturing, resulting in lower yields and concentrated flavour. At the palenque, piñas are slow-roasted in earthen ovens, fermented naturally, then double-distilled in copper pot stills. Marca Negra bottles at around 46.8% (some batches vary slightly) as per the master’s preferred strength. The brand emphasises transparency and traditional craft, and the small batch nature means each bottle carries distinctive character.

Critics Reviews

• One seasoned mezcal specialist described the Tobalá as “rich and briny yet sweet … the nose loaded with caramel, mustard seed and salt-water, walnut shell and a hint of apple cider vinegar; the palate brings brown sugar, lemon pith, chalk and grape skins with a slightly tannic dryness.”

• Another reviewer observing the version bottled at ~49% ABV noted: “Smoked chiles and sugar-cane sweetness emerge first, followed by brine and over-ripe fruit; the finish is assertive yet still balanced rather than raw.”
  These professional impressions confirm that the Tobalá is a refined wild-agave expression that offers depth, focus and craft character rather than pure novelty strength.

Tasting Profile

Nose: A complex bouquet of caramelised agave, roasted banana, black-pepper spice, salt-spray minerality, and subtle walnut shell.
Palate: Bold and layered—roast agave heart, smoked chili, dark brown sugar, dried fig, chalky mineral undertone and a gentle citrus-zest lift. The 48.6% ABV provides structure without overwhelming.
Finish: Long and savory—drying at the edges with light tannin, hint of smoked sea-salt, roasted almond and lingering roasted-agave sweetness.

Quick Overview

"The tobala is called the King of Mezcal by many because of its rarity and robust flavor.  While they grow wild, they are also being routinely cultivated these days, making them lessrare.  They may not taste exactly the same, but directionally so.  And if this allows us to drink more great mezcal, I am all for it.  This Marca Negra is made from wild tobala and tips the ABV-scales at 49%.  Wow!  I can only think of one or two bottles in the US that have a higher ABV.  The high ABV can be challenging on the palate because the alcohol can overpower everything else that is going on.  In this case, while present, the high ABV does not overwhelm the mezcal and leaves plenty of room for the tropical fruit flavors to flourish." Mezcal PHD