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Mezcal Alipús San Baltazar
Distiller Score 90
The nose is not so much smoky, but ashy with the high elevation seeming to render a subtle style of mezcal here with other aromas like Meyer lemon, white flowers, and salt. The palate brings to mind a myriad of flavors including watermelon Jolly Rancher candies, rosemary, and cough medicine, but this all comes across clean and fresh with a slightly chewy texture. The exotic nature of this mezcal is alluring, but with its medicinal candied quality it can be confusing to enjoy.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Bruxo No.1 Espadín Mezcal
Distiller Score 90
This is an approachable style that's both sweet and floral, with milk chocolate, vanilla and honeysuckle flavors up front. Rich notes of roasted agave, earth and a light subtle smoke round it out. This would be a great mezcal to sip as a digestif following a big meal!
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Mezcal Jaral de Berrio
Distiller Score 90
There is an unusual roasted peanut flavor to this mezcal that truly sets it apart. The nuttiness fades into creamy vanilla, stewed agave, tropical fruits (banana, pineapple, mango) and just a hint of bitter grapefruit rind. Only a trace of smoke is evident in the finish, which goes down clean and smooth.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Mezcal Marqués Plata
Distiller Score 88
For an unaged mezcal, this one is unusually rich and viscous. It tastes of white grape juice with a nutty undercurrent, almost like the flavors of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. However, there is a good, peppery spice kick to it as it fades into the finish, which leaves off in only the faintest puff of smoke.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Wahaka Mezcal Espadín
Distiller Score 91
The crisp, clean nose opens up with smoke and vegetal notes. The creamy palate starts with pepper and holiday spices, as well as leather, agave notes and hints of dried fruit, before giving way to a savory and smoky back-end. The warm and lingering finish offers notes of vanilla, pepper and more smoke.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Mezcal de las Hormigas
Distiller Score 94
As unharmonious as those donkeys might be, the flavors of this mezcal are quite the opposite - everything plays together with each pleasurable sip. It has a subtle, sweet and light smoke, with a minty and peppery finish. Roasted agave fruit flavors really shine through with a light, dewy mouthfeel.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Los Vecinos del Campo Espadin Mezcal
Distiller Score 95
Earthy, briny, with the added tang of menthol and grilled and charred peaches. Tastes lively, light, slightly smokey with a great sweet/acid balance and just a touch of rusticity. Appetizing, lip-smackingly so, with plenty of white pepper spiciness and an admirable bitter/sweet finish. Outstanding.
Reviewed by Jack Robertiello
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Del Maguey Crema de Mezcal
Distiller Score 87
The aroma is a combination of smoke, citrus, and sweet, roast agave. The mezcal has an herbal quality along with a velvety texture, but don't be fooled into thinking it is a dessert; the sweetness is subtle and the smoke is ever-present. It would be a great product to use in a margarita as there would be no need to add any sweetener.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Kimo Sabe Mezcal Joven: Albedo
Distiller Score 87
This softer style of mezcal is medium-bodied with chocolaty overtones and only a hint of smoke. Citrus peel, chili and jasmine tea emerge on further sips. The finish is smooth and sippable, though might feel a bit tame for palates more acclimated to bolder mezcal flavors.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Fidencio Clásico Mezcal
Distiller Score 89
A simple and quaint mezcal. It does not roar, it does not whisper. It is pleasing to the palate but it does not aspire to steal the show. The nose is earthy and rustic with such notes as wet soil, lemon and black pepper. The taste is constant; bright with lime, cinnamon, moderate smoke and mild tropical fruit notes. A compelling entry-level mezcal, suitable for novices and connoisseurs alike.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Mezcal Amarás Espadín Joven
Distiller Score 92
This is an approachable, and a particularly fruity mezcal that has some interesting mushroomy and pine cone notes in the background. Hot cinnamon spice warms the path to backwoods campfire smoke. Finishes smooth, with a little bit of sweetness to round it out.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Gracias a Dios Mango Mezcal
Distiller Score 89
Tropical fruit and floral aromas mix with cooked agave and sweet mesquite smoke on the nose. The mango is much more pronounced on the palate, offering a tangy layer over classic smoky and vegetal mezcal flavors. Earth, smoke, and tang bring this intriguing spirit into the finish. While it is a fun sipper neat, this mezcal would be quite a treat as a base for a margarita or other cocktails.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster