Lot D5008-MC. Soft and secretive. This “mother” is not a loud and angry mother-in-law but rather a warm and quiet maternal figure that will tuck you in at night. Probably one of the least “in your face” karwinskiis I’ve had. I get colored pencil shavings, pepper, and jalapeno. It’s interesting but easily overshadowed by 4-5 of Campero’s other offerings. Like other reviewers, I’d start the night with this one and move onto something more memorable.
Lot 85008A-J. Rey Campero Jabali. Acetone, Asian pear, and sweet perfume dominate this heavy hitting Jabali. I’d drink this all the time if I could afford it. Definitely not an evening-starter or a mezcal for first time drinkers, but if you work your way up to this…you’re in for a treat.
Lot ESP11/16. Sweet citrusy espadin with some black pepper and anise readily available on the back of the tongue. Hard for me to tell it’s a product of a clay pot still, but it is one of the least expensive offerings in that category and is worth a try for that reason alone.
Lot ESJ451801. Bubble gum and perfume over bitter spice and rum flavors. Good entry level espadin.
Lot UV/1118. Woody, earthy, easy-sipping mezcal for a great price. I don’t pick up too much tobala in the mix but maybe some of the pine, cedar and black pepper coming through is that. Solid choice for a weeknight.
Lot 20. A complex and delicious espadin – some funk, like overripe fruit, on the nose. Sweet and citrusy with lemon, wood, and camphor flavors. Light smoke. Fantastic to sip neat.