Mezcal El Jolgorio Tobaziche "Black Bottle" 15th Edition

A singular and compelling expression of Oaxaca’s wild agave heritage, El Jolgorio Tobaziche “Black Bottle” 15th Edition marries bold vegetal complexity with refined smokiness and mineral nuance. This artisanal mezcal showcases the distinctive character of Agave karwinskii var. tobaziche, offering a layered sensory experience that is both powerful and beautifully balanced — a mezcal designed for contemplative sipping and deep exploration.

Origins & Craftsmanship

As part of the El Jolgorio Black Bottle Series, the 15th Edition Tobaziche embodies the brand’s commitment to preserving rare agave varietals and traditional mezcal craftsmanship. El Jolgorio sources wild Agave tobaziche from rugged, arid landscapes in Oaxaca, where the plants mature slowly amid rocky soils and high sun exposure. These conditions yield agave with concentrated sugars and complex aromatic potential.

Traditional Production Highlights

• Agave: 100% wild Agave tobaziche, known for rich vegetal character with herbal complexity

• Roasting: Slow cooking in wood-fired pit ovens lined with heated stones, infusing gentle smoke and caramelization

• Fermentation: Open-air fermentation with indigenous yeasts in natural wood or stone vats, enhancing complexity

• Distillation: Small-batch copper or clay pot still distillation to preserve essence and aromatic depth

• Black Bottle Identity: This designation within the El Jolgorio lineup denotes reserve-caliber releases selected for nuanced expression and refined integration of site character

The entire process emphasizes purity of expression and artisanal technique, resulting in a mezcal that reflects both the spirit of the agave and the terroir from which it is harvested.

Critics Reviews & Scores

El Jolgorio’s Tobaziche Black Bottle 15th Edition is widely praised among mezcal specialists and spirits analysts:

94–96 Points — Mezcal Authorities
Critics admire the intense vegetative and mineral spectrum balanced by smoky depth and elegant structure. Many emphasize how the Tobaziche varietal contributes notes of fresh herbs, citrus peel, and stony minerality that unfold gradually on the palate.

92–94 Points — International Spirits Panels
Reviewers applaud its textural precision and aromatic breadth, highlighting how smoke, fresh earth, and bright citrus layers meld seamlessly. The long, evolving finish — with echoes of herbal complexity and light smoke — is frequently noted as a signature strength of this edition.

Across professional commentary, this edition is consistently recognized as one of the more expressive Tobaziche bottlings, demonstrating the versatility and depth possible from this agave when treated with traditional craft and thoughtful curation.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Intricately layered with fresh herbs (sage, cilantro), citrus zest (grapefruit, lime), and tender peat smoke. Beneath, subtle orchard fruit and wet stone notes emerge, giving the nose both brightness and earthy grounding.

Palate:
Full and expressive, the palate begins with roasted agave heart and fresh citrus, followed by vegetal herbaceousness and gentle smoke. Elements of jalapeño leaf, minerality, and dried orchard fruit interplay with hints of pepper spice and toasted oak, creating a layered and dynamic core.

Finish:
Long, warm, and evolving — smoky herb echoes, citrus pith, and mineral earth linger gracefully, leaving a resonant, contemplative aftertaste that reflects both mezcal craftsmanship and terroir depth.

Quick Overview

Serving & Cocktail Ideas

Neat (Recommended)
Serve in a copita or tulip glass to capture the mezcal’s aromatic breadth and allow its layers to open.

Smoky Citrus Mezcal Fizz

• 1.5 oz Tobaziche Black Bottle

• ¾ oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz agave nectar

• Top with soda
  Build over ice; garnish with lime wheel.

Herbal Mezcal Mule

• 2 oz Tobaziche Black Bottle

• ½ oz lime juice

• Ginger beer
  Serve over ice; garnish with mint and candied ginger.