Recent reviews

Bottles VK1219, VK6070. Cuauhtémoc Lopez. 43.2%

Not quite “exquisito” as their label suggests but solid enough. I have two bottles from either end of lot VK. Both share the same notes of roasted agave, lemon, vanilla, acetone, cocoa, green stems and smoke. I generally have a positive view of Montelobos, but I find I spend more time contemplating their branding and positioning than what’s inside their bottle. Otherwise, a good value espadin.

persimmon, apple, lime, cantaloupe rind, watermelon, pine, kale, green chile, peppercorn, lemon peel, mint, soil
lote SAR001/23, 47.5%

Bottle 552/672. Lote 002. Smells and tastes like juicy agave and funky fruits. Theres spice, minerality, and a brightness to it as well. Pleasant finish that reminds you it was delicious.
Previously had a bottle both this from cdmx that was under a differnt label and it was a memorable too.

Nose: oh yeah this is definitely clay pot, tons of fig newton, fudge, tomato based sweet bbq sauce, ketchup

Palate: mmm nice earth, dried dates, soil, dark cocoa, orange marmalade, moving to the finish is mesquite spice. Minerality persist as a foundation through the finish as I get some nice Burnt ends. Finish is crispy burnt ends, carnitas, charred orange, more soil

A solid and enjoyable clay pot Arroqueno. I dig it more and more as I sip.

Lot SJR108/20
Decent mezcal, sipping was ok. Some rough edges but I liked the sweetness from the agave.

Nice subtle vegetal flavors. Ran out of my small samples before jotting more notes down. Overall I like Gilberto Roldan’s mezcal, including this one.

Delightfully surprised with this. I’m not a huge fan of their joven mezcal so I wasn’t sure what to expect with the reposado. It’s the only reposado mezcal I’ve ever had, so admittedly I’m giving some points for uniqueness. Aging in casks definitely mellowed out the harsh sombra flavors, giving it a richer texture and taste than the joven. Grape musk, caramel, light smoke, with a pleasant, mildly sweet finish. Good for sipping or in a oaxaca old fashioned. Would not recommend in much else. Not my first pick for mezcals but far from my last

Between this and montelobos, I’ll always choose the ladders. They occupy similar spaces in the market but the flavor here is lacking compared with competitors. It’s not bad for mixing, but there are better alternatives for the price. It has a harsh nose and a bitter finish with not a lot to appreciate in between

Vegetal, jalapeño pepper, chipotle burn. Not unpleasant, especially for the price point. But for 5-10 dollars more, there are better options out there. It’s 2/5 for sipping neat, 3/5 for mixes, and 4/5 for bang for your buck/accessibility. Milder than the Vida Clasico, but still catching some acetone burn on the finish that might leave some beginners reeling

Beating a very dead horse here, but the start, mid, and finish is all a bit harsh. Not a good entry sipper. Better suited for cocktails. It’s full throttle, wide open smoke the whole way through.

A go to for me. Easy accessible and budget friendly. This is a multi function mezcal that is terrific for mixing, but preferable for sipping. Good smoke, no harsh notes, lightly sweet and herbal. Finishes beautifully with a rich, grassy aftertaste. This will be a regular in my lineup

I would definitely recommend trying this mezcal side by side with a younger, brighter espadin. The roasted chicken mole flavors come through strongly with a savory, salty finish. It has a rich, thick texture and is a great budget pechuga! Definitely will buy again

So many better options for the price point. Sipping it neat is very mild, but also bland. Gets lost in any mix. Not sure where this fits in or why I’d spend 60 dollars on this again. It’s a fine entry point for anybody who hasn’t tried mezcal. There’s just not much to write about beyond the high price

Admittedly one star given for the price. Around 30 dollars in my area. Punchy, zippy, light smoke, strong and sweet. Lingering smokey burn finish. Great for mixing. Ok for sipping. Definitely going to buy again for

strawberry, cream, persimmon, watermelon, cantaloupe, cedar, char, bubblegum, cherry, lime, apple, wintergreen, lemongrass, salt
batch 0223ER, 47%

The Blake at Taos Ski Valley has this on the menu as a cocktail, Amoxycillin. Great name but not my favorite pour for this Mezcal. I tried it the night before on the rocks and it was a perfect after a drive up from Albuquerque.

ABV: 43%

Nose: Greek yogurt, leather, wood varnish, lemon, lavender, cucumber

Palate: light thin mouthfeel but solid. Grapefruit, tart mango, some ginger, camphor, shoe polish, leans more citrus, then floral perfume like moving into the finish. Finish is pine, herbal lemongrass, a bit vegetal, flowers, pouporri

Overall this is cool stuff given the location it comes from and production. I can see the leather jacket note Rakhal mentions, particularly oil used on leather. Super interesting

batch: IN-03-19
abv: 48.5%

limeade, tennis balls;
ripe tropical fruits, spices;
flowers, forest floor;
clay, wood, ash

#31

Very intense flavor. I have had this “TUMBADO” style twice now and this one is great. Bought at Cuishe in Oaxaca. Lote: MAD-CA/#-23
It is hard to explain the flavor but like the experience of a SweetTart when you don’t expect it. Very ramped up, nothing lying down in the flavor. It was explained that roasting a certain time of year when the conditions are right, as in humid, the agave are allowed to lay around and grow mold before ferment. Don’t remember the months though but around Oct-Dec.

Super lemon-lime bomb. Mix with 7-up and you wouldn’t know it’s there (not that I’m advocating for that). Extremely easy to drink, very light and bright

Finish is just a slightly muted/leathery citrus. Very nice