Del Maguey Santo Domingo Albarradas Mezcal (Tobala & Espadin)

Nose: Initial aromas include bay leaf, sandalwood, asparagus, and rose petals. A deeper investigation reveals brine, red clay, licorice, butterscotch, fruit juice, beeswax candles, leather, peppermint, and wintergreen. The aroma is full and rounded; water accentuates orange blossoms, violets, and other floral notes. Palate: The initial taste is salt-sweet, with a blend of tropical fruit flavors too complex to distinguish. As it develops, an astringent, spicy, and very mouth-drying, almost tannic smokiness appears, coating the palate. The texture is heavy and rich, making the 49% abv unnoticeable. Finish: It has a long finish with fruitiness and wood-smoke, possessing sweet flavors but a very dry character. All the elements from the nose and palate converge and linger casually into the aftertaste. A faint smokiness remains in the mouth for a very long time. Exceptional, wonderfully balanced, and very pleasing. The salty asparagus note from espadin is mellowed by the rich tobala component, which is enhanced by the brisk and direct espadin. Overt saltiness is primarily on the nose, presenting as a very briny and maritime salt, not earthy rock salt, with an almost-but-not-quite iodine quality. Adding a few drops of water softens the palate without detracting from it and releases a wonderful sweetness that perfectly balances the underlying dry character. It's excellent both neat and with water. A magnificent, bold mezcal that ranks among the finest Del Magueys. "Very Good": 86/100 (4 stars)

Apparently, gifts are given by the Three Kings or Santa Claus in Mexico. I usually don't receive any these days because I'm too old, but Santa Claus, also known as a friend, was very kind and sent me samples of the finest Del Magueys to satisfy my Mezcal curiosity via a round trip through Australia. Strangely, our postal services were synchronized, as I got the package the same day he received mine! This batch is a good one. Very different from the others I've had so far, with a lot of smoke, wood, sweetness, and vegetal notes, but it's lighter. The first mezcal I tried, the ChiChicapa, was more oily, which I really enjoyed and think I prefer. For more detailed notes, see a friend's excellent review. Thanks, Santa Claus!

Dense mouthfeel, significant smoke, extended finish; the quality is high, but it is extra bold.