Puntas de Tobaziche | July 2023 | Manuel Aquino García | PUNMAQ2307 | Fall 2024 release | 18 bottles | Maverick Texas

The vocabulary used in traditional mezcal production varies by region. In Oaxaca, puntas refers to the high-proof cut of spirits over 55% ALC, often seen as the “heads” from the second distillation. These puntas, along with the hearts (cuerpo or corazón) and a small amount of tails (colas), are blended to create the final mezcal, known for its cordón cerrado (long-lasting bubbles) indicating alcohol content between 45%-55%.

Despite its strength, puntas are prized for their concentrated aromas and flavors. In agave spirits, methanol and problematic compounds are mostly in the tails, not the heads, making puntas safer for consumption. Traditionally, a palenquero might reserve a small amount for special occasions. For this bottling, 20 liters of puntas were set aside because there wasn't enough lower-proof liquid for a full batch at 48% ALC.

This cut of puntas from Manuel Aquino García comes from a larger batch of Tobaziche distilled with his wife, Nacha, in July 2023. Harvested from 13 capón plants weighing 887 kg from Tecolote, they distilled 120L of cordón cerrado, 20L of puntas, and over 20L of colas for future distillation. Tobaziche (Agave karwinskii var.) is a rare cultivar in Miahuatlán, maturing in 12-16 years. Only 18 bottles of this select cut at 59.9% ALC are available in Texas.

  • Maguey(es): Tobaziche (Agave karwinskii var.)

  • Provenance of the maguey: Cultivated in nearby El Tecolote

  • Producer: Manuel Aquino García

  • Region: Logoche, Miahuatlán

  • Soil type: Red earth; tierra colorada

  • Rest time after harvest: Three days

  • Oven: Conical earthen pit; eight days with mesquite wood

  • Rest time after oven: Seven days

  • Maceration: Machete and mechanical shredder

  • Fermentation: Native yeasts; 2500L food-grade plastic tank with 850kg cooked maguey and 1000 liters well water

  • Dry fermentation time: 72 hours

  • Wet fermentation time: 10 days

  • Distillation: 2x in copper pot stills

  • Final composition: Select cut of heads

  • Batch size: 20L

  • Date of distillation: July 2023

  • ABV: 59.9%

MARIE NAKAZAWA