Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Tobala

Koch El Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Tobalá is a refined and expressive mezcal crafted from one of the most prized wild agave varieties in Oaxaca. Elegant rather than aggressively smoky, it reveals layers of tropical fruit, delicate floral aromatics, and earthy minerality. Produced in small batches by a traditional mezcalero, this bottle captures the rare complexity that makes Tobalá agave one of the most sought-after expressions in artisanal mezcal.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Koch El Mezcal is a respected Oaxacan producer dedicated to showcasing the diversity of mezcal through small-batch, terroir-driven releases made by individual mezcaleros. Each bottling highlights the work of a specific village and distiller. The Maguey Tobalá expression is produced by Maestro Mezcalero Pedro Hernández in San Baltazar Guelavila, Oaxaca.

The spirit is made from 100% wild Maguey Tobalá (Agave potatorum), a rare agave species that grows naturally in rocky mountain slopes rather than cultivated fields. Because the plants are small and take around 9–10 years to mature, a large number of agaves are required for each batch, making Tobalá mezcals both scarce and prized.

Production follows the artesanal mezcal tradition:

• Agave piñas are slow-roasted in underground earthen ovens.

• The cooked agave is crushed and fermented naturally in wooden vats.

• The fermented mash is double-distilled in copper stills.

The mezcal is bottled unaged (joven) at approximately 47% ABV, allowing the natural character of the agave and the terroir of the region to shine clearly. 

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Elegant aromatics of tropical fruit, coconut, hazelnut, fresh herbs, and subtle ocean-air minerality, with light wisps of smoke.

Palate:
Complex and silky with pineapple, cocoa, herbal tones, and gentle ash, balanced by floral sweetness and earthy agave character.

Finish:
Long and refined with lingering walnut, chocolate, and herbal bitterness, supported by delicate smoke.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

While high-quality Tobalá mezcal is often best enjoyed neat, it can elevate classic mezcal cocktails.

Oaxacan Old Fashioned

• 2 oz Koch Tobalá Mezcal

• ¼ oz agave nectar

• 2 dashes chocolate bitters
  Stir with ice and strain over a large cube; garnish with orange peel.

Tobalá Paloma

• 1½ oz Koch Tobalá Mezcal

• 3 oz grapefruit soda

• ½ oz fresh lime juice
  Build over ice in a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.