Mezcal Vago's Ensamble en Barro from Tío Rey represents ancestral mezcal making at its most authentic—production that honors centuries-old methods while celebrating the unique terroir of Oaxaca's highlands. Tío Rey's palenque (distillery) and agave fields are located in Sola de Vega, a lush mountain valley 2.5 hours from Oaxaca city at 1,450 meters elevation. Each release of this ensamble is distinct: agaves are hand-selected based on seasonal availability and fermented together in traditional clay pots before being roasted, crushed, and distilled in the same vessels. Unlike most mezcals that rely on tahona (stone wheel) crushing and copper stills, Vago's Ensamble uses hand-grinding and clay-pot distillation—methods that honor ancestral knowledge and create spirits of remarkable earthiness and complexity. The blend typically includes Espadín, Coyote, Mexicano, and Arroqueño agaves, resulting in aromas of clay, earth, and fruit (apple, citrus, berries) with some spice, and flavors featuring clay and earth balanced by citrus, berries, pepper, and sometimes chocolate or agave sweetness. Awarded gold by the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.