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Sombra Ensamble

Sombra Ensamble is a blend of mezcals distilled from wild Tepeztate (61%) and Tobalá (39%) magueyes harvested from high in the Oaxacan Sierra.

Rating: (4 reviews)
Cost:$$$$
Brand:Sombra Mezcal
Maguey:Tepeztate, Tobala
Agave:Marmorata, Potatorum
Grind:Tahona
Distillation:Copper
Style:Blend, Joven
State:Oaxaca
ABV: 51.6%
Batch size: 2000 bottles
Release year: 2019
Website: http://www.sombramezcal.com/, opens in new window

About this mezcal

Sombra Ensamble is the brand’s first-ever, limited edition “super premium” blend. Sombra Ensamble is a blend of mezcals distilled from wild Tepeztate (61%) and Tobalá (39%) magueyes harvested from high in the Oaxacan Sierra. The resulting spirit is 51.6% ABV. This batch is limited to 2,000 bottles total.

According to John Sean Fagan, Distiller and Director General of Sombra Mezcal, the company planted 20,000 Tobalá magueyes from seed and will replant them in the wild after two years of maturation to offset the 673 that were harvested for Sombra Ensamble.

Sombra Mezcal

Sombra is Spanish for “Shadow.” The brand was started as a passion project of famed sommelier and wine aficionado Richard Betts. In March of 2017, Davos Brands acquired a controlling interest in the Sombra Mezcal brand. Richard Betts remains a minority equity holder and is the current Global Brand Ambassador.

In 2017, Sombra became one of a few mezcal brands that owns and operates its own palenque with a focus on environmentally friendly production methods. For example, the agaves are crushed with a solar-powered millstone instead of using donkeys as animal labor. Additionally, the Sombra Adobe Brick Project uses agave fibers left over from distillation to create upcycled bricks which are used to build homes for earthquake victims in Mexico.

Member rating

3.75 out of 5

4 reviews

Zack Klamn

Zack Klamn

542 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars1 year ago

Nose – Grassy. Rock candy. Vegetal spiciness of the tepeztate is there.

Palate – Dry grass. A juicy gala apple note. Hint of provolone. A marvelous sugary-sweet, ember finish. Great flavors and not at all hot for 51%. On its own this is a 4.5 star mezcal but it still sells for $200+. The previous reviews are over four years and is this time there are equally great ensambles (w/ tepeztate and/or tobabla) that are lower in price (i.e., much better value). That said, 4 stars based on price. But if you get a chance to try it, do! It’s still verrrrry good mezcal. Bottle: 1149/2000

Nose – Grassy. Rock candy. Vegetal spiciness of the tepeztate is there.
Palate – Dry grass. A juicy gala apple note. Hint of provolone. A marvelous sugary-sweet, ember finish. Great flavors and not at all hot for 51%. On its own this is a 4.5 star mezcal but it still sells for $200+. The previous reviews are over four years and is this time there are equally great ensambles (w/ tepeztate and/or tobabla) that are lower in price (i.e., much better value). That said, 4 stars based on p

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Tyler

Tyler

636 reviews
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars5 years ago

Definitely surprised by this one. The agave Tepeztate flavors are prominent with a soft agave Tobala finish. My expectations honestly weren’t high but this is enjoyable and a decent expressions of the flavors of these agaves. I also appreciate the higher ABV (more flavor). My only criticism is the SRP is very high at $200 for a 750ml bottle. Exported brands have done Tepeztate-Tobala mezcals a few times and this is one of the better releases of this type.

Jonny

Jonny

700 reviews
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars5 years ago

Why is their label designed like an Ed Hardy T-shirt? I’ll never understand that label. Fortunately, the juice inside the bottle is pretty good. A little peppery on the nose. This is nice. Very round on the palate with perfumed notes of candied red apples, sweet corn, and ripe red strawberries. I enjoyed this one much more than their regular release.

COak

COak

228 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars5 years ago

Nice Ensamble, tasty red apples come through with the tobala. The tepe gives it a nice peppery finish. Easy sipper.

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