Del Maguey San Jose Rio Minas Mezcal

My bottle from batch RIO-141 Nose: An interesting vegetal aroma with tropical fruit and floral elements, resembling a plate of baked fruits dusted with salt and spices – indeed, much like chinicuil salt. Delicate jasmine, frangipani, and orange blossom are present, along with a faint trace of smoke that isn't overpowering, possessing a well-rounded, rich character. It's more akin to something that has been smoked than actual smoke. Perhaps smoked ham or smoked salmon? It evokes the sensation of very lightly peated Islay whisky. Palate: The palate mirrors the fruity notes of the nose, beginning with a fresh salt/caramel sensation, or perhaps crystallized violets with sea salt. A blend of tropical fruits emerges later, accompanied by a subtle herbal flavor reminiscent of rosemary or eucalyptus. There's a hint of smoke, again more infused than dominant, as if every part of the palate has been very lightly smoked. The texture is good, though not exceptional. Finish: Long. Lightly smoked fruits fade into a mild peppery herbal aftertaste, concluding with a clean, invigorating brine finale. This is a very clean, relaxed, and elegant mezcal. The nose is fragrant and refined, but the body is slightly less impressive and leans towards brine. Nevertheless, I consider this among the finest I've sampled. I acquired this bottle approximately three years ago, and it's my last unopened mezcal. I believe mezcal might be more volatile and delicate than other spirits, and it seems to taste best when consumed as 'fresh' as possible. However, this one was highly enjoyable, and any deterioration over time was neither dramatic nor significantly detrimental. “Very Good”: 85/100 (4 stars)

There's so much fruit in here it's difficult to describe. Apple, melon, pineapple, the list goes on. Towards the end, there's a bit of smoke and salt, but not as much as in other Mezcals. Absolutely fantastic, 95