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Mezcal Pierde Almas Wild Tepextate
Distiller Score 96
The aroma is dominated by sweet/savory smoke complemented by tropical fruit and a whiff of jalapeño. The assertive palate adds heat to the chile, along with both bright and roasted agave, a grassy herbaceousness and suggestions of fennel frond. The complex body is almost meaty in its intensity, a quality that continues into the moderately long finish.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Ilegal Mezcal Añejo
Distiller Score 94
Each expression of Ilegal tastes of a smoky music club, with strong vegetal funk and earthy bass notes. This more mature version adds a touch of honeyed sweetness, and the smokiness also starts to veer toward the toasty sweet side, heading close to vanilla and milk chocolate territory. A salty undertone keeps it fresh.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Wahaka Mezcal Joven Madre Cuishe
Distiller Score 95
Fruity and herbaceous on the nose, with lime and agave notes standing out. There is a noticeable minerality, umami and earthiness as well as notes of white pepper and grilled pineapple which the warmer temperatures and drier conditions of the volcanic terrain seem to have brought out in the mezcal. The dry, medium finish shows hints of grass and citrus.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Bruxo No. 4 Ensamble Mezcal
Distiller Score 94
Much as it works in the sense of sound, sometimes spirits taste best when there are different harmonies coming together. Each maguey varietal contributes different flavor profiles that all seem to make one pretty flavor. There are vegetal notes of jalepeño, tropical fruits and a mixture of both sweet and hot peppers. It also has a rich, buttery vanilla quality that fans out into a clean salty finish.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Mezcal Pierde Almas Coyote 2014
Distiller Score 91
A sweet smokiness is the first impression, followed by a creamy quality that suggests a savory, peppery flan. There's vegetal heat on the palate, along with black pepper, burnt citrus peel and some earthy minerality. The finish lingers tantalizingly.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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El Jolgorio Espadín Mezcal
Distiller Score 94
Like many espadín mezcals, the El Jolgorio is approachable, starting with an herbaceous nose of roasted agave and mint. The bright, savory palate has notes of citrus, basil, oregano and rosemary. The warm and lingering finish continues with smoke, agave and minerality.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Wahaka Mezcal Joven Ensamble
Distiller Score 94
The nose is unmistakably Tobalá - distinctively herbaceous and floral. The volcanic terrain of the Madre Cuishe offers earthiness and minerality on the full-bodied palate, along with citrus and pepper notes. The Espadín ties it all together with an underpinning of agave and light smoke that carries through on the long finish.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Rey Campero Tobalá Mezcal
Distiller Score 90
The nose opens with citrus, then reveals some ashy minerality--though there's less smokiness than many mezcals. Flavors of chocolate nibs, cinnamon and spice come together with remarkable smoothness on the palate and in a lingering finish that's light despite a nearly 50% alcohol content.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Del Maguey San Pablo Ameyaltepec
Distiller Score 92
The spirit enters the room as a woman of a certain age trailing floral notes (tuberose, no less) over an animalic agave base; she's followed by her escort exuding the merest whiffs of expensive cigar smoke. On the palate, a more domestic side emerges, bolstered by dried fruits (especially pear), and accented by pepper and gingery spice. On exiting, some spice and faint traces of smoke linger in her wake.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Del Maguey Tobalá Mezcal
Distiller Score 90
The mezcal has a potent nose of charred oak, campfire, bell pepper, wet sand, and granite. Hints of apricot, aloe, dried sagebrush and pine soon follow. Full bodied but not oily, there’s a hot-sweet smoke with bitter greens and a whisper of roofing tar on the tongue. The earthy rustic character is tempered by just the right amount of sweet agave. There are lots of layers to discover. Finishes long and utterly pleasurable with smoke, earth, and fruit lasting through and through.
Reviewed by Kelley Slagle
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Marca Negra Tobalá Mezcal
Distiller Score 93
Like all good tobalá mezcals it is rich, briny and sweet. The nose is loaded with caramel, mustard, saltwater, walnut shells, mustard, and a hint of apple cider vinegar. It has a rich, decadent body and displays a myriad of flavors such as brown sugar, lemon pith, caramel, strawberries, and chalk and grape skins. It leave a slight tannic drying sensation on the sides of the mouth but is all-in-all quite alluring.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Mezcalero No. 10
Distiller Score 94
The aroma is filled with earthy, dusty notes along with smoked pears and a sprinkle of copper. There's a pleasant tangy quality on the palate, with the fruit notes taking a back seat to a more herbal flavors. The finish ends with smoke and chalk and just enough sweetness to prepare you for another sip which is an inevitability.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno