Collar de Perlas Joven Mezcal Artesanal 40% 750ml

Collar de Perlas comes from a family operation that's been distilling in Tlacolula de Matamoros since the early 2000s, working with traditional methods that have defined this corner of the Valles Centrales for generations. They're not chasing the luxury or celebrity market — instead, they distribute regionally across Oaxaca, Monterrey, and Mexico City, with a small allocation making its way to the States. This is mezcal made for people who actually drink it, not collectors hunting limited batches. Tlacolula sits at the eastern edge of Oaxaca's central valleys, and its mezcal tradition runs deep. The town's palenques have long relied on copper pot stills and spontaneous fermentation with wild ambient yeast, producing a house style that's clean and transparent rather than funky or overly smoky. This joven expression is bottled straight from the still at 40% ABV with no barrel aging, so there's nothing between you and the agave — no oak, no additives, no softening. What you get is a clear view of how the family works: roasted agave on the nose, a gentle smoke thread underneath, and a mineral backbone that speaks to the terroir around Tlacolula. At this proof, it's approachable enough to sip neat but structured enough to anchor a cocktail. Try it in a margarita where you want the agave to stay present, or alongside ceviche, grilled fish, or anything with citrus and salt. It also works surprisingly well with richer dishes — mole, braised pork, even charred vegetables — where the smoke and earthiness can meet the food halfway without overwhelming it. This is everyday mezcal in the best sense: transparent production, regional character, and a price that lets you pour it without ceremony. It's the kind of bottle that belongs on the counter, not the shelf.