There are big sweet notes like crisp green apples, old fashioned donuts, and Cool Whip. Not much of a finish for me. Second time sipping this. IIRC someone compared it to brandy the first time we tried it. I think Tobala fans will enjoy this quite a bit but I’m not very drawn to it. October 2020 batch from bottle #33/54.

Reminds me of her Bicuixe with the mint flavors. The Karwinskii dry wood aspect has a bit of a sour note mid-palate. There are some fun vegetable notes in there like zucchini skin. I enjoy this but in certain ways it seems the agave flavors are a bit muted. I’ll reiterate my Bicuixe review in saying that I think she’d make a killer Espadin! This is a very graceful distillate nonetheless but I think the higher sugar content of Espadin might be a good match for her craft. The other reviewers are correct about the flavor dissipating rather quickly. Agave Mixtape vol. 07 batch.

Dominate musty flavors.. lots of old wood notes. It is a little off-putting honestly. Makes me think of the smell of a dirty antique store or or my grandparents’ garage. After opening up there is still a bit of underlying musty notes. Overall not digging it. Will revisit later and update the review. Mixtape vol. 07 batch.

March 2023 update – still not digging this but less musty flavors. Mal Bien has great batches but I haven’t gotten into Chucho and Poncho.. yet.

Tasting before Agave Mixtape vol 08 arrives!… this is really tasty. I’ve never purchased an Espadin when visiting Lalo and up until now they haven’t really registered with me; he does have 15+ types of mezcal after all. This batch is really nice. I think given the Espadin has more “simple” flavors (so to speak), the minerality from the water comes through nicely. There are some lemon bar notes along with brown sugar. It is not the most complex but it is super approachable and enjoyable. My go-to is still his Tobaziche but I’m glad I have a 200ml of this. 2021 Agave Mixtape vol. 07 batch.

Incredible that this still exists on a back bar in 2021 – 10 years after its release. I really enjoyed the minerality and milk chocolate notes. I had with dinner and it wasn’t quite as complex as I expected but it was an enjoyable piece of history nonetheless.

Really nice Jabalí! Lots of fruit and some cotton candy sweetness. Would order again. The crew at Lone Star Taco in Allston, MA recommended it. Bottle was nearly empty.

Agree with COak on this one. For such an interesting pair of agaves, this is kind of bland. I do enjoy the mezcales from Chente because they are a bit higher proof but this was lackluster for me. I get a lot of smoke and burnt Karwinskii. It’s got some good heat but not a lot of complexity. Lot DS001-CTS, bottle 195/780, 50.1%.

Super light.. although, to be fair, I’m doing this a disservice by sipping it after some 48% mezcals. This is very neutral for me. For those new to mezcals, this will do the job well. It is has some smoke and sugar without any unpleasant overly chemical notes. Not that it affects the flavor, but the glass bottle this comes in is really nice. Haven’t had VIDA in a while but this is likely more versatile. Lot BT-38.

One of the better Espadin mezcals from San Dionisio. Have been using it for cocktails but it is a nice sipper. It is interesting that they have a 43% and 45% version. Even at 45% it comes off as slightly hot. That is on the initial taste and the mid-palate and finish are very fruity. COak’s note about strawberries and cream is accurate (same batch??); there is a shortcake flavor here. Lot EXJE001, bottle #96, 2020, 45% ABV.

Lot 0520RC. This is enjoyable but not on my list of favorites from Guerrero. I get a specific Wrigley’s Doublemint gum vibe here. Well-balanced at 48.1%. Not super complex but easy going and approachable. Just tried this next to a 2017 batch at 51% and prefer this 48% Mal Bien batch more. I think my fav mezcal from Don Refugio (thus far) has been a pechuga he made under the Aguerrido label.

The initial smell transports me to Oaxaca. There is a crayon element to the flavors. This isn’t an “in your face” peppery Tepeztate. It is still interesting, a bit grassy with a Sour Patch Kids vibe. There are some chemical notes on the finish. Tried at Otra in San Francisco in early September 2021.

Nice sipper with some character. The clay is certainly present and provides a softness to the finish. There is some smoke and dark fruit. Some slight metallic notes mid-palate. Definitely dig the inspiration by this; a higher-ABV mixer. Not sure about batch but got this sample in summer 2020.

Middle of the road for me. Got excited by karwinskii-potatorum agave combo which has yielded incredible mezcales from copper-distilling producers in Miahuatlan. I’m not getting the distinct flavors of the two agaves. There is a compact mashup of nuts, clay, and smoked agave. It reminds me of the smells of the Real Minero palenque (in a good way). For me, it is not unique and not worth the high price. However, it is still a decent representation of Minas mezcal and one my partner really enjoys. Batch ARMLT-03. Bottle 139/282. 52.48%. Austin Shaker exclusive.

A real treat from the late Don Lorenzo. My bottle is half full and I’ve enjoyed it immensely. Although nutty flavors aren’t my favorite, this mezcal has some strong hazelnut flavors. There is a richness of clay cooked meat and strong minerals. The alcohol is high but doesn’t bite or distract from the complex notes of butterscotch, Black Forest bacon, and organic grape jelly. RMTR-01, 2016, bottle 61/126, 52.4% ABV.

I tried a Don Lorenzo batch earlier today at La Condesa in Austin, TX which tasted quite different; that inspired me to pull out my own bottle and finally review it. That batch had more clean Karwinskii flavors without the dark brooding clay notes. Didn’t catch the batch number.

What an incredible mezcal from a producer unknown to me until now. Wowza. What a great combo of agaves! Bicuixe always creates interesting flavors and this 50/50 ensamble is a has it all. The warm Karwinskii dry spice along with the sweet candy Tobala. The first time I tried it, my reaction was: it’s an instant 5-star mezcal. This time around my palate is a bit different (maybe off?) and while great, it is not other-worldly like before. I’ll revisit this again soon. 60 liters, 47% (according to the sample dram I have). 4 stars.

Ok, I’m trying this a week later (6 Oct 2021) and it is back to the original incredible flavors I experienced the first time around. The minerality is so pure. You also get a bit of pine from the karwinskii or the fermentation in wood vats. My experience is more Bicuixe-heavy this time. Can’t wait to try more from this mezcalero. Updating to 4.5 stars.

One of the better Complice mezcals from Ignacio Martinez that I’ve tried. Light cotton candy, marshmallows, a bit buttery with some salt. Overall an easy and approachable sipper. Lot: EXEC001. 2020.

A tiny bit of Jabali on the backend.. the agave isn’t super noticeable to my amateur palate. It’s a bit dry and I definitely get the black licorice notes that Jonny mentions. There is some Hot Tamale candy spice. I prefer the Los Nahuales Special Editions compared to the “still proof” releases.

It has a drying effect on your mouth. The alcohol is well balanced right before the edge of being overpowering. Notes of orange gummies, peach skin, old marshmallows, and bottled oregano. There is a dryer sheet element too. Super unique from a cool new brand (in 2021)!

Sipped the Zacatoro from the Barranca guys and Mal Bien last night. They are very different.. I’m curious if the Agave angustifolia species is different (or perhaps just a different region). They are both wild and interesting. This Rayo Seco was Lot 202105. Bottle 320/432.

Wild stuff! Instant fan. There is a big citrus note like lemonade with brown sugar or molasses.. almost like an Arnold Palmer with that tea element to balance the citrus. Very interesting flavors. There is a bit of tobacco leaf, rose water, and lavender. One of the best Guerrero mezcals I’ve sipped recently. Not sure about batch number but it was 51.3% ABV.

This mezcal is quite the presentation; I’m curious how much the packaging costs. At any rate, the spirit is what is important here. I get a bit of green olive, sweet brine, hoisin sauce, and nutmeg. There is an undertone of sweet Tobala on the mid-palate. I agree with Agave Fairy that there is a bit of chemical element on the finish. Finish is a bit of charred agave. Some will enjoy it but a tad smoky for me. Decent flavor relative to water at 40% ABV; recommended for those new to mezcal that want to impress with quality packaging. Batch AM-20