The Lost Explorer Mezcal Salmiana

The Lost Explorer is a sustainable mezcal range that is produced in the sun-soaked Valles Centrales in Oaxaca, Mexico, by the internationally recognized Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos with 40 years of mezcal distilling experience. Luckily, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and he intends to pass on his precious knowledge to his daughter Xitlali, who is already working closely with him at the distillery. Partnering up with the British environmentalist David de Rotschild and the Icelandic entrepreneur Thor Björgólfsson, this range of three mezcal products came to life with a vow to honor sustainable production and artisanal craft of high-quality hand-crafted mezcal, Oaxaca's nature and its local community. The production of the Lost Explorer range includes solar panels, a rainwater collection system, and carbon footprint monitoring among other sustainable methods. For every agave plant harvested, at least three new are replenished.

The range features three agave varieties, Espadín, Tobalá and Salmiana. After the perfectly ripe piñas are harvested by their jimadores, Maestro Mezcalero carefully selects the agave before it is returned to the earth and cooked for 3 days in conical earthen ovens lined with volcanic rock. Ground and macerated, fermentation follows in open-top oak barrels filled with pure spring water and wild yeasts. At the Lost Explorer, mezcal is bottled in recycled crystal bottles at 84 proof as Don Fortino believes this is the perfect balance of raw ingredients and alcohol.

Lost Explorer Salmiana is the most herbaceous expression in the range. Made from 100% Salmiana agave, or, scientifically called Maguey Verde, which reaches maturity in 12 years before it's harvested, this wild agave variety is massive in stature and grows in high-altitude, adventurous terroir. It was traditionally used to produce pulque, the slightly alcoholic, milky drink, dubbed "the Drink of the Gods". Double distilled, this extraordinary mezcal bottle features a sweet and spicy profile with notes of green chili, grapefruit and fresh agave after rainfall. The hand-labeled bottles are made from recycled crystal and sealed with biodegradable natural beeswax.

This rare, one-of-a-kind dram was awarded Gold at International Spirits Challenge, Master and Taste Master from The Spirits Business Tequila & Mezcal Masters, Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Gold and 97 points from International Wine and Spirits Competition as well as 5 Stars Exceptional from Difford’s Guide.

Get your sustainably produced mezcal today!