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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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Mezcal Vago Cuixe
Distiller Score 92
Beef jerky and cigarette smoke? The sheer vividness and novelty of these aromas warrant attention. Nosing this brings to mind a few peated scotches, but one sip leaves no doubt you are tasting an agave spirit. The palate is woodsy, vibrant and complex, the alcohol well-integrated, and the finish long and flavorful, but the dark, austere, almost brutal flavor profile means this isn't exactly the easiest-drinking spirit out there.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Clase Azul Tequila Reposado
Distiller Score 97
Everything that the plata is is doubled in the reposado. The nose is very subtle with floral notes of jasmine, apple cider, honey and cinnamon. Wet earth and vanilla combine to give the first sip a rustic but refined mouthfeel. Notes of tobacco and chamomile, anise and clove interweave into a beautiful bouquet you won't soon forget.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Del Maguey Arroqueño Mezcal
Distiller Score 98
The nose and palate display very disparate characteristics but only work to enhance the depth and complexity of this experience. The aromas are dominated by roasted corn, black pepper, salt, dried chilies, fresh-cut foliage and subtle baking spices, specifically Ceylon cinnamon. Mouthwatering on the palate, the mezcal is extremely high-toned, dominated by Kaffir lime and other citrus, cedar, and fresh-cut agave blades. Overall, a brilliantly seductive mezcal with rich body and a long deep finish.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Real Minero Barril Mezcal
Distiller Score 96
The natural characteristics of the agave play brilliantly with the flavors of the clay. It is lush with aromas of grass, cucumber, celery, and fresh pear. The palate offers another dimension with smoked meat, ripe plantain, dried papaya, and a deep clay note in the mid-palate. The intensity of this mezcal might catch you off guard but it quickly lulls you with stellar complexity and balance.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo
Distiller Score 94
There's deep vanilla, salted caramel, and cappuccino on the nose, along with cinnamon, clove, and mild jalapeño--and that's just on the first couple of whiffs. There's much more going on here. On the palate, there is a smooth harmony not unlike what shows in some very mature cognac. The agave flavor doesn't hide behind the oak influenced flavors, it rides along beside them, peeking out once in a while to remind you this is indeed tequila. The finish is long, creamy, and deeply complex.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Mezcal Vago Tobalá
Distiller Score 95
Warm but fresh; masculine but delicate, this is just a joy to smell and to drink. Cool, leafy aromatics of wintergreen, aloe, and green peppercorns begin your journey. Next, the green hues fade to black on the palate with plenty of tar, black pepper, wood smoke, and candle wax. The slightest undercurrent of pear and melon keeps things fresh and dynamic. Quite classy and refined.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Mezcal Marca Negra Dobadán
Distiller Score 93
Notes of agave, white pepper, grapefruit peel and green pepper appear on the nose. On the palate, this enters surprisingly mild, with a soft agave and piloncillo sugar note, with a touch of white pepper and molasses. It then erupts into a haze of herbal smoke, with cooked ancho chile, bitter herbs, and lemon peel before finishing with a medicinal, lozenge-like note. If a shaman's house burned down, this is what the air would likely smell like. This is a complex and challenging mezcal, yet one that delivers flavor in spades.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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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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La Venenosa Sierra del Tigre (Orange Label)
Distiller Score 92
A very different experience all around with the nose bringing aromas such as aged gouda, orange, mango, herbs, “barnyard” notes, and agave pulp. It is completely different on the palate. Tons of lush ripe fruit notes such as papaya, passion fruit, ripe mango, and tangerine flood your senses before those barnyard aromas come back with dashes of cocoa and black pepper. Rich and beautifully textured it is arguably the most compelling and definitely the most approachable member of the Venenosa line up.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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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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Koch el Mezcal Tobasiche
Distiller Score 92
Somehow both fresh and rustic, the nose is broad and herbaceous with ginkgo nuts, lettuce, grilled meat and charred rosemary. Dates and sweet grass also come to mind along with latex paint. The palate leaves a similar impression with but also has flavors of lime pith, papaya, and oregano. It drinks like a meal with its meaty and herbaceous profile with just enough fruit on the finish to keep it interesting.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat