Palalma San Luis Potosi Salmiana 750ML

Palalma San Luis Potosi Salmiana:

A Taste of High-Altitude Terroir

Embark on a sensory journey with Palalma San Luis Potosi, the inaugural release of PalAlma’s exceptional Aguardiente de Agave in the United States. Crafted with meticulous care from wild-harvested maguey Salmiana, this spirit embodies the unique character of its high-altitude origin in San Luis Potosi. Thriving at approximately 6,000 feet above sea level, the mature Salmiana agave showcases thick, dark pencas that twist and curve over a remarkable 12 to 25 years, reaching impressive dimensions of over seven feet wide and tall.

Under the watchful eye of Maestro Patricio Hernandez, the coraznes (pias) of these majestic agaves are slow-cooked in a traditional stone oven, unlocking their rich sugars. The cooked agave is then crushed using a time-honored tahona, a stone mill pulled by animal power. In a nod to ancestral techniques, fermentation is initiated with the addition of approximately 30% fresh pulque to the crushed agave within pine vats. After an eight-day fermentation, the resulting tepache undergoes two careful distillations in a copper refrescadera still, yielding a spirit of exceptional purity and complexity.

Palalma is a curated selection from Erick Rodriguez, the esteemed “Indiana Jones of Mezcal” behind Almamezcalera. His deep knowledge and exploration across Mexico’s diverse agave landscapes ensure that each bottle of Palalma captures the authentic essence of its terroir and the passion of its producer.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: Opens with bright, herbaceous notes reminiscent of fresh-cut grass and a hint of green bell pepper, underscored by a subtle minerality and a touch of earthy sweetness. Delicate floral undertones emerge with aeration, hinting at the high-altitude flora.
• Palate: The entry is vibrant and clean, with a distinct savory character. Expect flavors of roasted agave interwoven with a refreshing salinity and a whisper of citrus zest. A subtle vegetal complexity unfolds, leading to a mid-palate with a pleasant, slightly peppery spice. The influence of the pulque fermentation adds a unique, subtly lactic and yeasty nuance that distinguishes this Salmiana.
• Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of clean minerality and a gentle warmth. A faint sweetness returns, balanced by a dry, herbaceous echo that invites another sip.

Palalma San Luis Potosi Salmiana is a testament to the unique terroir and traditional methods of agave spirit production in this fascinating region. It’s an exceptional spirit for those seeking an authentic and nuanced agave experience.