I’ve tried four of Don Valente’s mezcals, which to me all have a very similar underlying character that I’m very fond of. This could be my favorite. I don’t have a bottle yet, so I’m only going on a tasting, but it’s gorgeous. The first words that come to mind when tasting are clouds, angels, and bubblegum. It is soft, velvety, and round. Floral with mild minerality. Beautiful.

Tried a small sample – the glass smelled like it had been rubbed down with a roquefort blue cheese. A silky mouthfeel & medium-heavy viscosity from what I remember. A rich robust funkiness pervades the palate. It tastes like the roasted agaves had some extra time to decompose and pick up all sorts of yeasts and bacteria. If you like the idea of a spirit tasting like a world of funk – then give this a try.

I had a sample of this at La Condesa – it was quite delicious! I remember it having a bright, pleasant minerality and a light smokiness. It was pleasantly smooth all the way through the palate, yet it had some nice complexity as well. At $220 a bottle, I won’t be rushing out to get this one, but I did thoroughly enjoy the sample.

Nose: Interesting bouquet reminiscent of familiar Del Maguey flavors, but different. There’s a bit of the briny quality as in the Arroqueno and Minero, some fruity/funky notes much like the Tobala (same maker), and a sweet creaminess that ties it together.

Taste: Creamy, fruity, a sweet pleasant funk, and a hint of orange. The briny quality is there, but more subtle. There also a hint of smoke and bit of pleasant spice in the back. It’s a lovely integration of these flavors. Sooo drinkable. You can definitely tell it came from the same hands and environment as the Tobala. I initially saw this available for about $105 and was hesitant to go for it. I later found it at Austin Wine Merchant for $68 – a much more reasonable price point and more than worth it!

Nose is very mild with a gentle smokiness and a faint clay-like minerality and earthiness. Light and smooth mouthfeel. Taste confirms the gentle smoke and mild earthiness of the nose. The flavors are lovely and well integrated, but not particularly complex. It is quite smooth and pleasant to drink for sure. Would be a great introduction to mezcal and for those who like a nice smooth sipper. Personally, it hasn’t ‘wow’d’ me like so many others on my shelf.

2014 Edition No. 9: Beautifully vegetal – a bright, green, herbaceous medley on the nose with a hint of roasty sweetness. Light bodied yet slightly silky mouthfeel. Taste is like a fresh, green garden much like the nose. Some lovely floral notes as well. Finish leaves me with some green pepper and a very mild bitterness. Tepeztates have been my favorite agave variety so far. Though I do prefer the thicker mouthfeel of the Vago and Marca Negra Tepeztates, the bright fresh complexity and smoothness of this one is quite special! – 4.5 stars