The Lost Explorer Mezcal is a multi-award-winning spirit that celebrates Oaxaca’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. Handcrafted in the sunlit Valles Centrales, this artisanal mezcal honours the sacred agave plant, blending time-honoured techniques with a profound respect for nature.
At the heart of this mezcal is the mastery of Don Fortino Ramos, a self-taught, first-generation Maestro Mezcalero with over 20 years of experience. Based in Oaxaca, Don Fortino’s passion for the craft shines in every step of the process, from the careful selection of agave to the final distillation.
The journey begins in Oaxaca’s fertile valleys, where each agave plant grows between eight to 12 years, maturing under the watchful eye of skilled Jimadores. When the time is right, the plants are harvested by hand, their piñas—or hearts—extracted and cooked in traditional earthen ovens.
Dug into the ground and lined with volcanic rock and reclaimed wood, these ovens infuse the agave with its signature smoky depth. After three days of slow cooking, the roasted agave is left to cool before being macerated using a volcanic stone, breaking down the fibres to prepare it for fermentation.
The Lost Explorer Mezcal offers three distinct expressions, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its agave. Espadín, made from agave harvested after eight years, is sweet and herbaceous, with notes of apple, ripe fruits and a gentle smoky finish. Tobalá, often referred to as “Explorer Agave,” matures for 10 years and delivers an earthy, rich profile with hints of tobacco, cocoa and vanilla. The 12-year-old Salmiana agave offers the most herbaceous expression, with bright flavours of green chilli, grapefruit and fresh agave. All three mezcals originate from San Pablo Huixtepec in Oaxaca, ensuring a connection to the terroir in every sip.
Even the packaging tells a story. The Lost Explorer Mezcal’s bottles are crafted from over 50 percent recycled crystal, designed in collaboration with Mexican artisans to reflect the vibrant culture of Oaxaca. Each bottle features Alebrije, the mystical creatures of Oaxacan folklore, and a logo symbolising the four natural ecosystems: forest, ocean, desert and sun. Hand-labelled and sealed with biodegradable beeswax, these bottles are as sustainable as they are beautiful.
Exquisite Taste Volume 46
The Lost Explorer
W: thelostexplorer.com
IG: @pelita.makmur
