Bozal Tepeztate

A special night out with my wife, complete with a sitter and a post-event meal. Even more unusual: a local eatery stocking zero bourbon. They offered Tequila, Mezcal, and Rum. I opted for Mezcal at the listed price. I intended to purchase the Mezcal for a higher amount, but the charge came in significantly lower than expected – a welcome, albeit solitary, positive. Served in a small clay vessel on a wooden base, the clear spirit offered a potent bouquet of salt, smoke, perhaps sandalwood, and a strong vegetal character reminiscent of barbecue. There was absolutely no sweetness detected. It coated the mouth thinly, delivering a spicy kick like a jalapeño. Truly intense – the kind that makes you want to flee but are compelled to stay. Notes of fusel oil, burnt rubber, and cigarette remnants dominated. Despite repeated attempts to appreciate it by swirling, chewing, and breathing through the nose, hints of flame-broiled bell peppers emerged. Not a pleasant combination. Picture a heavily peated Scotch, like the charred remnants of a specific Islay malt, but devoid of any balancing sweetness, vanilla, or fruit. Only rubber, charred vegetation, and ash remained. My apologies if this review displeases anyone, but this drink is not for me. It evokes the sensation of drinking water from a discarded cigarette bucket on a warm day outside a pub. I cannot endorse this experience.