2018 | Batch WLV03 from West Lakeview Liquors in Chicago

First tobaziche I’ve had.

Pungent, a bit gasoline-y on the nose.
Lots going on – standout is some vegetal bitterness like butter lettuce and grass. At 50% the alcohol content overwhelms a lot of the taste, but the herbal “funk” I enjoy from the A. Karwinskii varietels pervades. Lingering finish that my friend described as “sugar snap peas and dirt”, which sounds about right to me.

This is not one for the faint of heart.

August 2017 | Lot A-08-M-17

Only Mexicano I’ve had. Huge roasted agave nose, toasted sugar (almost like a Tequila Reposado despite being a Joven. . .crazy), molasses, and raisins.

Soars up through your palate into your nose – this packs a punch but still as “hot” as I’d expect from a 52%. In contrast to the nose, sipping starts an herbaceous crescendo with jalapeño, cloves, basil, celery salt, (among some others in my spice cabinet). Big lingering finish – flavor doesn’t change as it tapers off. Magnificent

CLM-02

Not much on the nose, just agave with a tinge of sourness. On sipping, pungent and (still) sour, but not overwhelmingly so; no stand-out notes. Brief but slightly messy finish.

Overall, an average Espadin that’s solid for cocktails (friend-group approved in a Bloody Maria). A less smoke-forward alternative to the similarly-priced standards (e.g. Banhez Esamble, Vida, El Buho), and could be a good “gateway mezcal” for someone used to those.

Lot 17

Big fruity and floral nose, getting red grape specifically, fantastic. To echo another, definitely give this an open-mouth or copita.

Once sipped, it shifts to tobacco and general caramel/sweetness with the fruit returning for a medium, enjoyable finish.

Haven’t had many Cupreatas or Michoacan-origin mezcales to compare to, but this punches well above its price point in terms of depth and uniqueness. Still, wouldn’t hesitate to use in a Paloma or fruity cocktail.

2018 | Edition 14

Predominantly candy banana on nose and taste – weird but enjoyable. Strong pepperiness without lingering spiciness or burn. Maybe some other notes of tropical fruit, that all eases out on medium finish.

Unique for an espadin. Good change-of-pace sipper for the price – a bit too unique for standard cocktails.