Mezcal Sacrificio Añejo

This nicely rounded spirit from Destilería Sacrificio NOM-O158X in Tlacolula, Oaxaca, Mexico is made with a blend of 50% Agave Espadin (Angustifolia How) & Agave Barril (Karwinskii). These agaves are cooked, ground, and fermented together, then aged for a year in half-toasted French Oak barrels before being bottled at 45% ABV. It starts with an inviting aroma of agave, earth, smoke, wood, fruit, herbs, and spices. The palate is well-balanced, featuring lemon, orange, dried fig, prune, vanilla, and caramel. The finish is dry and moderately long, with hints of pepper, oak, clove, brown sugar, sweet chocolate, and coffee. October 2023

Wood, smoke, agave, cucumber, white pepper, melon, a whisper of licorice, and finally, after a significant rest, caramel, vanilla, and aromatic wood that remains unidentified. The taste is smoky, peppery, and woody. A bit thin, with a somewhat abrupt finish, but enjoyable neat and suitable for a cocktail.