Del Maguey San Luis del Rio Mezcal

* My Bottle: From Lot SLR 123. Nose: The aroma is initially intense, with earthy, herbal scents – oregano, sage, and lemon thyme. This is followed by smoked capsicum and dark honey, rubber, iodine, brine, tar, diesel oil, and fragrant oily smoke. It presents a very powerful and unique nose. Palate: The initial taste is rich, oily, and earthy with a sweet umami quality, yet it maintains a vibrant juiciness. Then, as it develops, a feast of cooked fruits appears – plantain, apple, orange, berries, pineapple, melon – all stewed in a clay pot with a sweet broth of cinnamon and cloves, and drizzled with caramelized sugar. Not very spicy and not brightly herbal, this palate is very relaxed and rounded. Finish: Medium-long, crisp, clean with a subtle lingering smoke and earthiness – after a while, a juicy sweetness remains. This exceptional mezcal possesses a nose crafted in some unconventional and likely forbidden corner of paradise. The palate is satisfying and ranks second only to top-tier Del Maguey expressions like Chichicapa and Pechugha in complexity. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)

NOM-O41X Features an aromatic beginning with notes of roasted agave, red & green bell pepper, a subtle hint of smoky bacon & citrus blossom; complemented by an oak-influenced development adding notes of white pepper & creamy caramel & smoke; leading to a long & intricate conclusion with notes of smoked meats, sharp apple & a whisper of floral vanilla. April 2017

Definitely superior to the vida, which has a subtle butterscotch note that is much more noticeable with the average chichicapa expression. This is richer and more complex than the vida and lacks the slight alcohol note found in the vida. Vida is still good, but having tried this, I will choose this one every time.

A couple of weeks back, I forgot to log a tasting of this. My recollection is of a less viscous and more earthy character compared to other Del Magueys I've sampled, potentially due to the bottle being open for some time. It's drinkable, but I favor the other DMs I've encountered.

Incredibly smooth considering the intense smoky and industrial aromas. It can be a bit much, but the flavors do soften over time if you can make the bottle last for a month or more.

Very fruity aroma with notes of overripe melon or mango. Citrus, rosemary, black pepper, unripe banana, and a slightly tannic finish