Banhez Mezcal Ensamble

Rating: 14/23 - Nose - Strong, smoky, and tart. Reminds me of typical, good quality espadin mezcal. A certain funk adds a rich savoriness. - Palate - The alcohol isn't overpowering. Surprisingly earthy. Not very sweet. Faint notes of Bleu cheese. The smoke is subtle but present. The palate is fairly full, though it lacks significant mouthfeel. It's also only moderately rich. Some vegetal notes add interest but are well-controlled. The overall profile is solid, but the flavors are somewhat indistinct. As I continue to sip, the palate evolves, turning the earthiness into more of a stewed agave flavor with a mild caramel sweetness. Further along, bitter herbal and mint flavors begin to emerge. - Finish - The agave returns towards earthiness. The mint intensifies, creating a clean finish. There are subtle traces of agave and earth, but not much going on. - Conclusion - Despite all the flavors present, this mezcal doesn't captivate me. I find its core character to be just a bit too indistinct. It's good, though. I'm leaning towards a 14, but it could be a 15. Interestingly, after a sip of water, it tastes even more indistinct and less sweet. It might be a 13 now. I'll settle on a 14.

Served: Unmixed Opened: Today Nose: Quite subtle for mezcal. Hints of smoke, smooth leather, aged rug, pungent cheese, curdled milk, and dehydrated fruit. Palate: Echoes the nose exactly but subdued enough to not be off-putting. A touch of sweetness and a very light mouthfeel. Generally unexciting, yet easy to drink straight or as a shot.

A mezcal offering great value. Just a hint of smoke. Sweetness from the agave. Some fruitiness, perhaps pineapple? Even a touch of savory, like salted bacon fat. Mint extract or menthol burn (in a pleasant way). Excellent value, interesting to examine up close, a superb substitute for tequila to enhance a margarita.

Familiar espadin characteristics, lime zest, rubbery smoke, and saponin bitterness are present, along with pronounced black pepper just before a mildly sweet, medium-length finish. It's not an intensely smoky mezcal, but it's a satisfying sipper. Also a good value.

Pour from an online Cinco de Mayo tasting. Nose: Cooked Agave, Papaya, Mint, Pineapple, Vanilla Bean, Green Bell Pepper, Flowers Palate: Cooked Agave, Smoke, Green Pepper, Citrus, Pineapple, Mango, Mint Finish: Cooked Agave, Anise, Pineapple, Caramel, Vanilla, Citrus

As my first purchased Mezcal, I appreciated its flavor and smokiness. The smoky character is just right for my preference, whether enjoyed neat or in mezcalritas.