El Buho Espadín Mezcal

Two online drammers Cinco de Mayo pours. Black bottle Espadin: Nose: Cooked Agave, Citrus, Smoke, Bacon, Dark Chocolate, Pineapple, Banana, Guava, Cinnamon, Green Pepper, Minerals, Soil. Palate: Caramelized Agave, Flowers, Vanilla, Peach, Chocolate, Melon, Grass, Anise, Baking Spices. Finish: Cooked Agave, Mint, Citrus, Grass, Lychee. Pulquero 48 abv: amazing: Nose: Cooked Agave, Mint, Anise, Flowers, Vanilla, Baking Spices, Cinnamon, Green Pepper, Banana, Pineapple, Smoke, Red Pepper, Dark Chocolate, Barbecue. Palate: cooked agave, smoke, dark chocolate, Mint, Orange, peach, pineapple, coffee, papaya. Finish: cooked agave, mint, apple, flowers, vanilla, anise, coconut.

This, along with a certain other brand's Vida, are my go-to spirits for cocktails. I might even prefer this one to that other brand's offering because it has a bit more depth. The aroma is a little heavy on the petrol, with a trace of chili pepper. The taste is slightly better, with some light smoke, clay, and sweetness, though it's a bit thin. The finish has barely any burn and lasts a good while, ending with smoke and sweetness. This is a well-made espadin that doesn't pretend to be more than it is. It's a great mezcal for cocktails and a solid choice for everyday drinking.

Nose: faint smoke, a hint of salt, and a subtle sweet fruity scent that's hard to identify. Taste: the smoke is more pronounced, like roasted meat, but still not overwhelming. It also has sweet roasted agave, vanilla, and caramel. Overall: An excellent mezcal, especially for those who prefer to sip and savor.

My first experience with mezcal. It's sweet, but not as sweet as tequilas usually are. Coming from bourbon, I missed the flavors that barrel aging provides. There's a mesquite note on the palate. An enjoyable drink.

Thick, smoky butter, and sour pineapple with salt. 10/6/16

It's not bad, actually.