Monte Alban Mezcal
Monte Alban Mezcal is an authentic Oaxacan mezcal distilled from 100% agave using the traditional method of underground pit roasting, stone crushing, natural fermentation, and copper pot distillation. Bottled at 40% ABV, it delivers a bold profile of roasted agave, smoke, pepper, and earthy mineral notes — rustic, distinctive, and true to Oaxaca’s mezcal heritage.
Named after the ancient Zapotec capital overlooking Oaxaca Valley, Monte Alban has become one of the most internationally recognised mezcal brands, introducing traditional mezcal to drinkers worldwide decades before the modern artisanal movement. Its signature smoky character makes it a standout for sipping or for crafting cocktails that call for depth, earthiness, and unmistakable agave soul.
Whether served neat with orange and sal de gusano, shaken into a Mezcal Margarita, or poured into a smoky Oaxacan Old Fashioned, Monte Alban Mezcal offers an accessible, traditional, and culturally iconic expression of Mexico’s oldest agave spirit — smoky, historic, and undeniably authentic.
Mexico
700ml
40% ABV
NVMonte Alban Mezcal is one of the most internationally recognised mezcals, known for introducing smoky, traditional agave spirits to a global audience long before mezcal became fashionable. Crafted in Oaxaca with traditional pit-roasting and copper distillation, it delivers a rustic, earthy expression that reflects centuries-old mezcalero methods.
Named after the ancient Zapotec city Monte Albán, this mezcal honours Oaxacan heritage and terroir — smoky roasted agave, pepper, herbal notes, and a naturally earthy finish. Unlike polished tequila, Monte Alban celebrates mezcal’s rustic soul: bold, smoky, slightly wild, and unmistakably authentic.
Famous for the iconic gusano (agave worm) traditionally found in the bottle, Monte Alban became a cultural touchstone for mezcal worldwide, symbolising both Mexico’s spirit craftsmanship and its folkloric traditions.
Produced in Oaxaca, the heartland of mezcal, Monte Alban is made by distillers who preserve ancestral techniques dating back more than 400 years. The agave is roasted underground in conical stone pits, imparting the smoky depth that defines true mezcal. Slow fermentation with native airborne yeasts and double distillation in copper pot stills capture pure, earthy agave character.
Monte Alban was one of the first mezcals exported outside Mexico, helping build international awareness for the category long before artisanal mezcal became a global trend. Named after the region’s legendary Zapotec archaeological site, it stands as an important bridge between mezcal’s rustic origins and its modern worldwide appreciation.
Style: Mezcal Joven (Unaged)
Region: Oaxaca, Mexico
Producer: Destiladora González Lara / Monte Alban
Distillation / Production: Crafted from 100% agave (primarily Espadín); agave piñas are slow-roasted in traditional earthen pits lined with volcanic rock, crushed, fermented with native yeast, and double-distilled in small copper stills
Base Material: 100% Agave Espadín
Maturation: Unaged — rested briefly in stainless steel
Cask Influence: None — preserves rustic, smoky agave character
Filtration / Proofing: Light filtration to retain natural mezcal aromatics
Appearance: Crystal clear with silver highlights
ABV: 40 %
Nose:
Smoky roasted agave, campfire ash, pepper, and herbal notes with a touch of citrus.
Palate:
Bold, earthy, and smoky — roasted agave, black pepper, minerals, and hints of dried herbs. Rustic character with a dry, smoky profile.
Finish:
Long, smoky, and slightly sweet — lingering roasted agave and spice.
Overall Character:
Traditional, rustic, and smoky — an iconic introduction to Oaxacan mezcal.
Neat / On Ice:
Sip neat for full smoky expression or serve over ice with orange and sal de gusano.
Cocktails:
An excellent smoky substitute for tequila in:
Mezcal Margarita
Oaxacan Old Fashioned
Mezcal Paloma
Smoky Negroni
Tommy’s Mezcal
Culinary Use:
Ideal for pairing with grilled meats, charred vegetables, or citrus-marinated seafood; great for smoky reductions or dessert sauces with chocolate or caramel.
Food Pairings:
Barbacoa or carnitas
Dark chocolate
Grilled pineapple
Citrus and chile dishes
Occasions:
After-dinner sipping
Craft cocktail service
Smoky mezcal flights and tasting menus
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Derrylin
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