Luminar Mezcal Reposado

Luminar receives considerable criticism from Mezcal enthusiasts online, but is it justified? I aimed for an objective, open-minded assessment of this debated brand. From the start, it was clear why it's controversial. It doesn't smell like typical Mezcal. In fact, it smells almost exactly like a standard, almost generic Tequila! This makes sense, as it's made from the same agave used for tequila, and the brand doesn't adhere to Mezcal traditions. Its close association with Kimo Sabe, a Mezcal brand known for softening Mezcal's smoky characteristics for broader appeal, suggests its sister brand shares a similar production approach. So, setting aside considerations of traditional craftsmanship, here's the actual experience. The aroma is very inviting, with pineapple, vanilla, and oak immediately noticeable. There's also a pleasant earthiness to the scent, and even a touch of grassiness. Pretty standard, but there's a distinct, though subtle, smoky aroma. On the palate, the agave surprisingly takes center stage, dancing freely on the tongue for most of the front and mid-palate before pineapple and subtle smokiness emerge. The finish is pleasantly vanilla and oak, but they only last about ten seconds before giving way to pineapple and a bitter alcoholic taste. Overall, it tastes like a $25 reposado Tequila would, with the added characteristic of an underlying smokiness throughout the experience. Personally, I don't dislike it, but I wouldn't purchase this bottle if I were seeking a Mezcal. It's more like something I'd offer to help a friend transition into Mezcal from Tequila, easing them into the world of Mezcal. Whether this introductory Mezcal is worth buying is up to you.

Rating: 13/23 Nose: I detect pleasant, gentle woody notes. It's slightly musty with some lemon and a trace of sweet cherry, but dust and spearmint are the first scents. It smells like an intriguing tequila, not what I'd expect from a mezcal. Palate: It's spicy with a greater sweetness than the nose suggested. There's some roughness, and I get mellow citrus alongside faint tropical fruit flavors. The spearmint emerges somewhat with a mineral taste and perhaps a hint of grape soda. At first, it didn't seem very complex, but more of its character started to reveal itself. I eventually detect a hint of peanut. I also get some straightforward alcohol flavor, but it seems somewhat acceptable when combined with all the other tastes. Still, this exhibits the most alcohol flavor and roughness of the three, which is certainly not ideal. Finish: The finish retains more of the herbal and vegetal notes, as well as some of the sweetness and roughness. It's adequate, but not exciting. - Conclusion - I initially favored the Luminar Joven as it offers more, but I believe the flavors here are better integrated and still retain a fair amount of complexity. The roughness remains an issue, and this isn't a significant improvement over the Joven. Interestingly, this is the most subdued of the three Luminars, with the other two even containing noticeable sulfur. I would still choose Los Vecinos Espadin over this, but not by a large margin. Hacienda De Chihuahua Añejo is also superior with its slightly increased complexity and reduced roughness. This places it no higher than a 13. After considerable thought, I've decided that despite the alcohol and burn, I can assign this a 13.

A complex agave spirit from NOM-0286X in Zacatecas, Mexico, made with Agave A. tequilana. Its aroma presents notes of rubbing alcohol, fresh herbs, wood, nuts, and spices. The bold palate offers cooked agave, dark espresso, almonds, oak, and vanilla, leading to a spicy finish with notes of cayenne, cinnamon, and a hint of barbecue smoke. Sampled July 2021.

It tastes like tequila with a subtle smokiness, which doesn't hold up well compared to other Mezcal I've tried.

A very standard mezcal. Sharp and vibrant with minimal complexity, even for a reposado.

Acceptable flavor, not smoky like other mezcals I've encountered.