Introducing Montelobos Mezcal

A refined mezcal expertly made from organic agave in Oaxaca, Mexico.

While he grew up in a family involved in the tequila crafting industry, Iván Saldaña didn’t pursue the same path. Instead, he studied molecular plant biology at the McGill University in Montreal and then completed a PhD in biochemistry and physiology at the University of Sussex, UK. His post-graduate studies focused on the agave plant and its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. Years later, he decided to move beyond research into a more creative direction and co-founded Montelobos Mezcal Joven.

Based in Mexico City and Oaxaca, Monelobos (mountain of wolves) aims to introduce traditional, artisanal mezcal to the world. The kind of mezcal you’d want to drink neat, not in a cocktail. To achieve a superior quality for their spirits, the company collaborates with master distillers and local artisans with a wealth of expertise in crafting mezcal. The brand also uses 100% certified organic espadín agave along with a traditional crafting process.

Produced in Oaxaca, the Montelobos mezcal is refined and well-rounded. The manufacturing process starts with the roasting of the organic agave to give the plants their smoky, rich flavor. After roasting them in a volcanic stone pit for 5-7 days, the artisans crush the agave using a traditional tahona. Then, they leave the crushed agave to ferment in a natural way. Made in small batches, the mezcal is full of flavor and perfectly balanced.

The brand’s limited collection includes several spirits. The Montelobos Mezcal Joven features smoked meats and brine notes as well as lemon zest and grilled rosemary. The Montelobos Ensamble Joven combines the espadín agave with tobalá and papalote agave to offer a smokier, more herbaceous aroma. To craft Pechuga Mezcal, the artisans add fruits and spices before the distillation stage, while the Tobalá mezcal features double distilled tobalá agave, roasted for up to a week in a traditional stone pit. Produced exclusively in a designated area in Mexico, the Montelobos mezcal is authentic, traditional, and 100% organic. The packaging is also distinctive, featuring a gray wolf label on a cloudy, square cut glass bottle. Photographs© Montelobos.