Late Bloomer, Mezcalero Delfino Tobón Mejía

The man behind the Dia De Los Muertos mezcal started his career late for a mezcalero. Delfino Tobón Mejía grew up in a family that farmed squash and produced mezcal, but he was the youngest of 10 brothers and chose a different path.

At the age of 18, he left his hometown, San Pablo Ameyaltepec - population 200 - and moved to Houston. By the time he turned 24, he knew America wasn't the right fit. He wanted to dedicate himself to mezcal production so he returned to San Pablo and dove into the family business. Now in his mid 30s, Mejía runs a small farm and produces micro batches of unique mezcal like the 60-bottle Dia De Los Muertos release for Cinco Sentidos. 

Jason Paul Cox, who selected the batch, gives tasting notes below:

• Nose Peppermint candy cane and sweet licorice with a hint of lime juice.
• Mouth Feel Medium density. Not light but not oily either.
• Palate It's easy to drink. A sweet attack that reminds me of cotton candy.
• Finish Herbal with a hint of chalkiness, almost like an Altoid. There's another pleasant green flavor I can't put my finger on. There's no burn. It drinks like it's a lower proof.