5 | Spirits | Mezcal, $20 to $50

"Pale golden color. Charred lumber, rubber, grass, and oiled suede aromas. A brisk entry leads to dryish medium body of charred pineapple, campfire ash, and white pepper fade. Finishes with a hot, petrol-like mineral oil and charred, raw honey, and herb fade. A bold, evenly flavored mezcal."

"Firewater of the God" The spirit of the agave plant in its natural environment.El Mal Pais has evolved to signify the cures of ailments from common cold/flu to prostate cancer and alleviate the pain of childbirth. Laborers also drink it for added strength.

For those who don't prefer the white oak flavor, it offers an eart hy peppery taste. Rojas Especial Blanco offers a striking contrast to most clear spirits, such as vodka. In first Impression, light and spritely on the tongue mouth feel, it whispers down the throat and leaves a rather delicate warm sensation considering the 80 proof with a Smokey spicy aftertaste.

Distilled from the agave plant according to centuries-old tradition and technique, Rojas Especial Reposado is made from the Cenizo Agave (Maguey). Selected by its cut, age, size and color . After nurturing the fermentation stage, Rojas Especial is double distilled and aged for ninety days in Kentucky white oak barrels. This process gives it great complexity with an earthy array of flavors producing an 80 proof alcohol content without chemical fertilizers.