Los Nahuales Añejo

This 2017 bottling is dangerously smooth. I barely drink, I just take small sips. The espadin agave is noticeable but is mellowed by 16 months in French and American oak barrels. The wood imparts a pleasant honey and caramel flavor, along with a black peppercorn spice. The core flavor of cooked agave is present but unremarkable, tasting like seasoned shredded green papaya and green pepper. The finish is like unripe wintermelon that you'd get upset at a sibling for opening, though I don't have siblings. It's incredibly easy to drink. The issue with this bottle is its dual labeling as "mezcal artesanal" and añejo (aged over a year). This is the only añejo mezcal I've encountered. I've learned that the finest mezcals are often joven (bottled straight after distillation). Unlike whisky, mezcal can achieve its full complexity and express the distiller's care right after it's made. Artisanal mezcal should be clear. Aging in barrels seems to be either for attracting American consumers or masking defects. When tasting this mezcal alongside my joven mezcals, I gravitate towards the more traditional ones. When compared to Scotch, I find myself preferring the richer, more harmonious barrel notes in a quality Scotch. However, when enjoyed on its own, this spirit offers a respectable, very drinkable blend of both worlds. Score: 0 (unmemorable) Bottle price: $85-110 My estimated value: $70

Nose of leather, herbs, caramel, cocoa, mint. Subtle taste, sweet, agave, caramel, leather, some wood.

Enjoyable leather and herbal notes, tasted neat with a friend.