Puntas de mezcal comes from the first part of the second distillation of mezcal. What first begins to come out of the alembic in the second distillation contains a high alcoholic percentage (55º to 80º% Alc. Vol.). It’s often used to adjust the degrees of % abv. in mezcal to achieve the desired graduation, the highest %abv is also used to clean equipment, and some can also be consumed. A mezcal is considered purer the higher the alcohol content it has since it contains less water.
The polar opposite of “puntas” is “colas”. Colas is the last part of the mezcal that is finished distilling. This contains a low alcoholic percentage (around 20º% Alc. Vol.). It can also be used to adjust the % abv. of mezcal to achieve the desired graduation.
To my understanding, puntas cannot be legally sold and it’s usually acquired directly from a producer who has it on hand. I’ve come across a small quantity of puntas from a friend of mine who sells agave spirits retail. Because they could not legally sell the puntas, it made a cool gift!
Details
Brand: El Huesped
Category: Artesanal
Style: Joven
Agave/Maguey: Angustifolia/Espadín
Vintage:
Maestro Mezcalero: “Don Enrique”
Region: Zona Chontal Alta, Sierra Sur, Oaxaca
Roast Method: conical stone pit
Milling & Fermentation: Tahona by mule, Fermented in Oak barrels with bagazo
Distillation: copper double distilled
ABV: 57.2%
Price: n/a
Tasting
There is an initial prickly sensation on the nose, followed by a warming sensation from the high alcohol content. Frutful notes of citrus and zest, green bell peper. White flower arromas. There is an aromatic sense of roasted agave. A fine aroma.
Mouth feel, very coating, medium body and astringent slight roughness from the alcohol. A sour and salty sensation, tart roast with a picant sensation. Bitter tastes, like cirtus zest. An off dry sensation with traces of smokiness.