Lot L-0010, distilled 2010. Balanced and elegant at the same time as it explodes with flavours. Very fruity (plums, quince, strawberries, lemon). Both sweet (coconut, marzipan) and salty. Creamy texture. Acetone in the background. Leathery notes, especially in the aftertaste.
Lot 03-16, distilled November 2016. I had this at speakeasy Bar Sótano in Chicago, thinking I needed to try it although I had reservations about “flavoured” mezcal. And, my, was it good! It has mango sweetness and habanero sting, but is still unmistakably mezcal. Leaves a tingling feeling on your lips. I recommend this instead of dessert after dinner. Have since had a Mezcaloteca con Mango (without the habanero) and it was equally good.
Edition 13, distilled 2014. This is a middle-of-the-road mezcal, but well made. Nothing stands out: no aggressive smoke, not overly sweet. I assume this is targeted at the cocktail scene and for that it works very well. Probably also a good choice for people new to mezcal.
The best espadín I’ve had so far, soft and fruity and beautifully balanced. One of the great revelations for me at Mexico in a Bottle in New York in September 2018.
My first mezcal, bought probably ten years ago and opened only in the autumn of 2016. Although I’ve had some more Minero afterwards, this review is mostly from memory. It has quite a pronounced smoky character but it is so well integrated and balanced against the agave fruitiness and minerality. It is a very pleasant, easy drink – no wonder my friend and I finished the bottle in a few hours.
Lot RML-01, distilled 2014. Very green: pine, roasted bell pepper. Also orange zest and coconut-style sweetness. Well-balanced and easy to drink, but a bit short on the finish.
Didn’t enjoy this one at all. Rough and alcoholic. Used it in cocktails.
Edition 14, distilled 2016. Beautifully balanced between fruit. light smoke and mineral notes. Floral, with tropical fruits. Orange marmalade. Very rounded and easy to drink. Silky mouthfeel.
Lot DS002-J, distilled May 2013. There is a lot going on in this one: green bell peppers, mint, leather, vanilla, liquorice and more. Strong vegetal notes. Very complex and bold. It has a bit of a burn, but a pleasant, warming one. Close to five stars.
Lot 06. Very soft and neutral, not much smoke. The typical agave sweetness is dominating; there isn’t much else. In fact, the lack of complexity makes the aftertaste rather too sweet for me. A good mixer but not much of a sipper. And for a low-proof unremarkable espadín, it isn’t that cheap.
Batch SN05-18, distilled July 2018. A whiff of woody dustiness. Distinct fruity/vegetal sweetness offset by some salty notes. Cinnamon, white pepper, citrus zest. Fresh, creamy and very well-balanced. Soft and rounded; no burn at all. Dangerously easy to drink.
