Tastes

This was my first mezcal purchase and it remains a good value. Lots a big and smoky flavors. I remember really enjoying how smoky it is. While I'm not sure I'd purchase another bottle I'd happily drink it neat, chilled, or in a cocktail if it were offered :). Should be 3.5 stars.

I'm not crazy about this mezcal and here is why. Its incredibly sweet. Think nearly liqueur with the same sort of semi-syrupy consistency. The professional reviewer on this page writes "the sweetness is subtle" and then in the next sentence "It would be a great product to use in a margarita as there would be no need to add any sweetener." Any bartender worth their salt knows there is a ton of sugar that goes into a margarita to counteract the tartness of the lime. So only one of those statements can be true. Personally, I didn't find the flavors of this mezcal to pair especially well with fresh lime juice anyway. If you are looking for something to drink chilled or on neat spend another $5-10. There are a plethora of good options in the $40-50 range. Alipus makes a couple nice entry level options (Blue and Pink bottles) and if you're lucky you can find a bottle of Tosba Espadin (the best thing I've tried for under $50). However, If you enjoy sipping liqueuers as opposed to spirits then ignore my review. This Del Maguey Crema might be your thing.

This was the first mezcal I tried. It was great for sipping around the campfire. Now that I've had the chance to compare it with a dozen other mezcals I find it to be flavorful but a bit more rough then I would like. Good for cocktails but I'd recommend spending a few $ more if you plan on sipping mezcal neat.

Compared to some of the other mezcals I've tried I found this one to be very light, floral, and much less smokey. As another reviewer said "A bit tame but smooth." However, I also found it had a bit of an after taste that made it hard for me to love it. I give it 3.5 stars.

This really is something sublime. Of the dozen or so mezcals I've tried its the most balanced, complex, refined, and contemplative. Now if only I could afford to drink this everyday ;)

Compared to the pink label Alipus (San Andres) I find this mezcal to be a bit more to my liking. Both spirits exhibit big, bold, and smoky flavors. Neither spirit is going to win any awards for complexity and balance. However, both are solid performers at their price point. I find this expression has a bit more natural sweetness and depth to it. However, there is a very mildly dissonant element that holds it back from greatness. It was also a bit hard for me to mix up anything compelling in a cocktail. So a very good spirit in a general sense but not exceptional as a either a sipper or in cocktails. Overall, this is the kind of mezcal to enjoy around the campfire with friends. And enjoy you will :).