Jabalí

The agaves common name jabali originates from traditional agave use when the leaves were used to extract fibres known as “ixtle” that were fabricated into cords or string known as jabalinas. Convallis is Latin and translates to “the valley.

The plant contains high levels of saponins which are a mildly toxic substance that’s prone to foaming. Due to these elevated levels of saponins biologists declared it was impossible to produce mezcal from the species though over the years maestros mezcaleros have perfected the craft of working with this agave and have managed to develop a mezcal with complex aromas and flavours. It is now highly sort after. Although the craft has been perfected it still remains a difficult task and the excessive foaming produced in the distilling process can prevent alcohol vapours from condensing. It can also damage equipment and even cause stills to overflow.