Maguey Melate Tobala w/ Apples Maria Alicia Alva Sanchez

Incredible and unique when held against the many mezcals I've sampled, though this spirit category is so unfamiliar to me that I find it hard to articulate why. Smoke, a coppery tang, and a sharp citrus flavor lead the middle palate, followed by a gentle sweetness at the end. The coppery tang persists the whole way through. It's drying but in a good way.

On the third try, apples are noticeable. It's more viscous this time, not dry. There's a metallic taste in the finish, followed by a powerful wave of smoke that coats the palate until it's gone. More intriguing than delicious. I probably wouldn't buy a bottle since it's not my preference, but it's a well-crafted mezcal.

My second sampling revealed faint apple and a noticeable metallic flavor, making this more intriguing than delicious.