From Sparrow’s agave and mezcal list, Koch Tobala is a wild-agave mezcal from Oaxaca, complex and worth lingering over ($20 by the pour, or $30 for a larger pour). It is a quiet standout in our 21+ lounge.
About Koch Tobala Mezcal
Koch El Mezcal de Oaxaca began when Carlos Moreno revived his family’s mezcal tradition in 2009 and teamed up with maestro mezcalero Pedro Hernandez, building a collective that works with many producing families across Oaxaca. This expression is distilled from wild Tobala, a small agave plant that takes several years to fully mature. Because Tobala is so small, it takes a great deal of agave to make a single batch, which is part of what makes these bottlings special. Koch follows strict traditional methods throughout, with a real focus on waste management and sustainability.
Tasting Notes
The menu describes a complex profile that is floral and herbaceous, with tropical notes and a hint of baking spice. It is layered and aromatic, the kind of mezcal that keeps revealing itself as you sip and warms in the glass. Enjoy it neat at room temperature, in a small copita rather than a shot glass, so the wild-agave aromatics have room to open.
What to Pair It With
Mezcal shines next to bright, savory plates. From the Sparrow dinner menu, pair it with the Lamb Quesa-Birria Tacos, the Guajillo Chicken, or the Tuna Tartare, or sip it neat in the 21+ lounge. Our daily happy hour runs 3 to 5 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Koch Tobala from?
It is an artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico, distilled from wild Tobala agave using traditional methods by the Koch collective.
How much is a pour of Koch Tobala at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland it is $20 by the pour, or $30 for a larger pour.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Koch Tepeztate and Koch Tobasiche. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come taste it.