Bozal Espadín-Barril-Mexicano

Glad to discover a potentially good mezcal in the Midwest that isn't Vida. The presentation is certainly appealing, but I hope the contents match. It's impressive to find a mezcal, or even a tequila, with an alcohol content above 80 proof, giving it a strong start. The aroma leads with agave and unidentified botanicals. There's a saltiness, and the present agave seems well-roasted and less sharp, but there's not much more to it, and certainly no smoky character. The initial taste is very clean and straightforward agave. It has a sugar-water undertone, but it's not sweet enough to be solely sugar. The salt is present but somewhat subdued, allowing the agave with lighter floral notes and medium vegetal flavors to dominate. A faint smokiness appears near the finish, just before the slightly higher proof delivers a notable warmth. This is a genuinely pleasant, high-quality mezcal that I didn't anticipate finding in a small store in the Midwest. While it's not as smoky as I might have preferred, I had no prior expectations regarding its smokiness. Its quality and taste are significantly superior to Vida, and it offers excellent value for its price. If you're not seeking a show-stopping mezcal, this would be a great choice to have on hand, offering both impressiveness and simplicity.

The nose begins with a slightly bitter-sweet profile, reminiscent of a grapefruit cocktail, accompanied by subtle leather and moderate smoke. It's well-balanced, with a straightforward sweetness and a richer, almost oily aroma, like marinated olives. On the palate, there's a fresh sweetness and smoke, evoking the sensation of carrots roasting on a barbecue. Hints of pepper and herbs are present. A very satisfying crescendo and decrescendo lead to a moderately long finish. The balance is good. Smoke is consistently present in the background but never overshadows the other notes.

I must admit, the bottle enhances this Mezcal's appeal more than its contents. It's a good mezcal, don't get me wrong. It goes down easily and leaves little impression. Tasting notes? It has a synthetic smell (like rubber)... it's a bit spicy as it goes down, with a slight hint of citrus... and that's it. One thing is certain though, it's definitely not smoky! Despite that, it still earns a 4/5. However, if you're choosing between this and the Tobische next to it, definitely opt for the blue bottle.

Abundant fruit and floral notes on the nose, with charred pineapple, candied orange peel, honeysuckle, and a hint of smoke. The palate is very rich, slightly sweet, and smoky, with notes of toasted marshmallows, orange zest, cocoa nibs, browned butter, and campfire smoke. The finish is long and satisfying, with more campfire smoke and a light buttery sweetness at the end. An elegant and complex mezcal.

My experience with mezcal is limited, making it difficult to provide a definitive assessment. It has a smoky, mildly herbal profile with a touch of sweetness and a rubbery undertone. This rubbery quality fades quickly, and I don't find it particularly appealing. Once it dissipates, the remaining liquid is a pleasant tequila that bears a stronger resemblance to scotch than anything else.

Nose: Initially strong, then quickly fades to a gentle smoky, herbaceous scent. Palate: Immediately tastes of smoke, then quickly moves to the back of the tongue with a charred cactus and kiln flavor. Finish: Lingering and smoky, reminiscent of the smell of clothes after a campfire. Bottle: I like the clay bottle.