Mezcales de Leyenda Durango

Rating: 15/23 Nose: A complex aroma with strong vinegar and mustard notes, alongside smoky rubber, sweet berries/cherries, dusty earth, and minty herbal undertones. The nose is challenging with competing elements, but appealing. The vinegary mustard is particularly prominent. I haven't encountered a similar nose before; I enjoy good dijon mustard, so this is pleasant. Palate: Initially less intense than expected. It presents vinegary mustard flavor, but it's diluted and sweetened. The dominant flavor is woody fertilizer, distinct from loamy forest floor notes found in some wines; it's more akin to a garden center. A sweet water flavor with a vegetal note adds a humid quality. It's intriguing. Spices from the wood and occasional herbal notes complement the vegetal aspects. The balance and interplay are good, but the profile isn't exceptionally complex or captivating. It's solid but not outstanding. Finish: The woody fertilizer remains primarily, with the vegetal humidity offering some counterpoint. Conclusion: This is far from bad and has many appealing qualities. It's a challenging dram, worth trying, especially if you appreciate the scents of plant or lumber sections of a hardware store. The character evokes nostalgia for me, but it doesn't inspire purchasing a full bottle. It differs significantly from Los Vecinos Espadin and is solid competition, though Del Maguey Chichicapa surpasses it. I'm considering a rating between 15 and 16, perhaps leaning towards 15. I briefly considered 17 or 14. Los Vecinos Espadin received a 15, and this isn't quite as good, so it also gets a 15. While I appreciate the complexity, the profile doesn't quite harmonize for me in a balanced way. It's interesting, but I'm not sure I'd want a bottle.

I opened this last night with some people over. While visiting Mexico City, I took a class on preparing mole negro and decided to try making it last night, pairing the mole with this Mezcal. It doesn't possess the earthy smoke of typical Mezcal, but compensates with a distinctive floral minerality – akin to rubbing lavender and chamomile onto clay. It's quite distinctive. It paired exceptionally well with a spicy mole sauce. For $50, it's a must-have for Mezcal aficionados.

47% ABV Floral nose, with hints of leather, wet earth, and a subtle acetone note often found in A. durangensis. The palate features butter and stone fruit (nectarines, plums, cherries) with earthy undertones. The finish has notes of chili and leather. A fine mezcal, excellent with roasted chicken.

47% ABV, poured during online Cinco de Mayo drammers. Aroma: Cooked Agave, Mint, Buttery Cookies, Citrus, Cherries, Flowers, Papaya, Pineapple, Green Pepper, Toffee, Honey, Passion Fruit Taste: Cooked Agave, Smoke, Mint, Pineapple, Banana, Anise, Vanilla, Bacon Finish: Cooked Agave, Smoke, Vanilla, Banana, Coconut, Mint

The aroma is delicious - rich and warming. The taste is hot pepper and fruit. The finish is entirely peppery heat. It's not smoky, but it's definitely hot and spicy!

Nose: Salty smoke and sweet roasted fruit. Taste: A unique, sweet honey barbecue flavor with mesquite smoke. Overall: Excellent for enjoying over ice.