Zignum is a new player in the mezcal market, having launched in the U.S. late last year. Offering a silver and reposado mezcal, Zignum is made from 100% green agave and claims to be a smooth spirit that’s easy to mix. The smoothness and general lack of smokiness comes from Zignum’s production technique. In traditional mezcal production, hearts of the maquey plant, a form of agave, are placed underground and roasted using layers of hot stones and banana leaf wrappings. This process does not allow smoke to escape, so the maguey hearts, or “pinas,” are imbued with a distinctive smoky...