Montelobos Espadín Mezcal Joven

This is my initial Mezcal experience. It's an artisanal Mezcal. My rating might change later as I gain more comparative experience. However, this was incredibly delicious! If you appreciate peaty scotch and tequila, you'll likely enjoy Mezcal! The entire experience brought to mind a tequila perfectly combined with Laphroaig 10yr and Lagavulin 16yr - offering leathery brine and smoke (not peaty, more like BBQ charcoal). The agave was present beneath it all, contributing a grassy earthiness and citrus sweetness (but not sourness). I prefer my whiskeys at cask strength, and this delivers similarly with a thick, oily texture and robust characteristics, yet not overpowering due to the alcohol content. The finish reminded me of a fine cigar with a subtle hint of dried fruit. Ideal for sipping (or 'kissing,' as is the custom in Oaxaca). Served as a 2 oz. pour, neat, at room temperature in an old fashioned glass. A bottle typically costs around $40 or less.

This mezcal presents a clear, somewhat thick and slick appearance, with a really striking aroma. It carries notes of sweetness, earthy smoke (almost like coal smoke), crushed peppercorns, alcohol, and a vibrant, lively quality that I find quite compelling. Even before tasting, it made a great initial impression, especially for such an inexpensive spirit. The palate begins with a sweet agave flavor, so much so I'd suspect added sugar. The earthy smoke is present, pronounced yet harmonious. Hints of tar, newly clipped greenery (like young string beans), prickly pear, tart apples, black pepper, and a subtle, acrid quince note emerge as it concludes. The aftertaste is smooth and of medium length, with sweetness, smoke, and that green bitterness gently dissipating. It's very enjoyable on its own; I originally intended to use it in mixed drinks. I'll be making Oaxacan Old Fashioneds, Mezcal Negronis, and other cocktails with it soon. This is a quality mezcal that costs less than $40.

A clear aroma with no alcohol burn. Notes of cooked beets, ancho peppers, molasses, and sweet potatoes. Sagebrush smoke is present from start to finish, without being overpowering. The taste bursts with character. Grapefruit essence tingles the mouth, with a subtle sweetness beneath. Roasted bell pepper, metallic hints, and spicy raw radish create the foundation. Pine wood smoke drifts through the flavor. Iodine, smoke, and the radish's sharpness remain on the aftertaste for a while. An exceptionally made mezcal at a fair cost. It's a great sipper that's also economical enough for mixed drinks.

Let it rest for a moment. 👀: Crystal clear, no legs but beads instead; 👃: Sugary sweet, slightly vegetal, smoke is not obvious initially but appears gradually, a touch of caramel; 👅: The smoke hits you here, also quite sweet as the aroma suggested, nearly artificial sweetness, caramel and molasses; 🏁: The flavor persists and lingers, much like touching a sugar cube, I can't call it gorgeous but more like a fleeting affair... You're into it right then but can't wait for it to end 😜

An intense agave spirit from Mexico, created by Ivan Saldana for Casa Montelobos NOM-O156X, using Espadin agave. It begins aromatically with notes of roasted agave, gentle wood smoke, and green bell pepper, unripe green apple, and a hint of blue cheese; while a balanced middle adds notes of earthy minerality, a touch of smoke, and ripe tropical fruits; leading to a long and fruity finish with notes of grilled mangos. April 2017.

Remarkable. The aroma is inviting, with sweet agave, vegetal green notes, and a light smokiness. The palate is mildly sweet, with a savory middle, and a green pepper, smoky finish reminiscent of poblano. This is exceptionally easy to drink neat. It's also very good on the rocks. I haven't tried it in cocktails yet, but I'm sure it would make an excellent mezcalita.