A touch of fresh damp botanical on the nose and taste, citrus and some muted sugars which then grow into a slightly salty caramel at the back of the tongue. Not as robust heavier mezcals, lighter flavours, some syrup and fruit tones through the nose – a touch of smoky toast, maybe, it’s delicate. Enjoys ice in summer (hot day when reviewing) and perfect for cocktails if you must. Refer this to gin drinking friends or just keep it to yourself. I do. Label detail is a good touch. Botella No: 122; Lote No: 008; Alc. Vol%: 40%; Fermentación: Barril Roble; Distillation: Doble; Horno: Adobe; Agave: Maximiliana. There’s an Australian connection which is an interesting bonus.

Throw in half a star for the bottle alone. Nice on the nose with sugars and some spice at first. Caramel/vanilla hints at the back end. Wait a moment and let the taste settle and there’s perhaps touch of pepper even some fruits at the back of the throat. Repeat. The aging enhances some of the wood flavours – a bit more mature than the sharp (but wonderful taste) in jovens.

I find myself agreeing with the mixer sentiments of other reviewers, but as my daughter bought it for me… another half star. Del Maguey mezcals probably the earliest available in general liquor retailers in Australia so it’s an easy buy. Vida is a touch harsher than some of the others – making it interesting as a sipper, ice helps develop the flavour some. If it’s on the shelf and you need mezcal, buy it, then grab something else next time and keep this a backup or mixer.

This is what makes mezcal exciting! (Lot 5-NGE, bottle 48) This Durango offering differs so much from the mezcal sitting on the shelf next to it. It’s like taking a holiday. Creamy start, a nod to the 45% then the outdoors kick in with wood smoke and yes a touch of pepper. A nice way to top off a tasting night .. ‘and now here’s a nice little taste from Durango!’

There’s a lot of barrel in this anejo – two years in used oak. Warm taste to the palette immediately which is followed with back notes of light smoke and citrus and caramel/vanilla. More expected mezcal flavours are muted a bit but they wander back in during tasting. Give your palate a bit of time to really pick up on the flavours. This is a sipping mezcal for those who like flavours enhanced by oak. A tequila glass will accentuate the bouquet and flavours. If you drink your spirits over ice, this will certainly suit this anejo.