Region: Oxoaca, Mexico

Composition: Gin

History: Aside from a few special releases, Gracias a Dios is made in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca. It is 100% artisanal, handmade with piñas from Espadín agave and other varieties, ground and fermented in their own palenque in Santiago Matatlán, and distilled in copper by maestro mezcalero Oscar Hernández Santiago. Their Karwinskii agaves are shredded mechanically, due to the toughness of their fibers, and then tahona-crushed afterwards. All other agave used at this palenque are crushed by horse-drawn tahona only.

Tasting Notes: Gracias a Dios Gin was developed by students at Oaxaca State University. This spirit is somewhat unique as it’s made with agave Espadin, like the majority of other mezcals. Aside from a few differences, this spirit is made using the same process as any other mezcal. Distillation is one of the key differences. Gracias a Dios Gin is triple distilled, and during the additional third distillation, thirty-two hand picked botanicals are added to the liquid. A touch of juniper prevails over the other flavors, although notes of citric and fresh herbs arise from this as well.