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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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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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Sombra Mezcal
Distiller Score 90
Very aromatic with notes of beeswax, set honey, black pepper, toffee, freshly snapped green beans and nuts. You’ll get a little more of that green, herbal agave character we all love on the palate, along with lemon curd, black pepper and a bit more toffee. This is a sweet, peppery, palate-coating powerhouse of a mezcal.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Miel De Tierra Joven
Distiller Score 84
A faint whiff of smoke quickly recedes to more refined flavors of baked pineapple, raw pepper, and a light, hint of vanilla in this gentle mezcal. The palate has more sweetness and skews to fresh flavors of dry earth and butterscotch pudding as opposed to mesquite and brash mineral. Fans of the bold, unbridled flavors of Oaxaca should take a pass, but fans of tequila looking to dip their toes into the mezcal category will find much to like.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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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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Agave de Cortés Reposado Mezcal
Distiller Score 84
Despite its short time aging in cask, the Agaves de Cortez reposado displays heavy oak influence. On the nose: butterscotch, banana, rubber, and just a hint of agave. The palate mirrors the nose with just a little more spice. Overall this mezcal is solid. With a rich texture and a moderate amount of smoke.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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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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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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Mezcal Vago Espadin
Distiller Score 89
Explosive, expressive aromatics in very clean, bright, easy-drinking spirit, this Espadin leads with guava, tomato leaf, Thai basil and fresh turmeric root. The palate is sappy and fresh, full of sandalwood, lavender and mixed garden cuttings. Very well-balanced. The texture is easy-going and refined, but the finish does leave one with a subtle impression of alcohol and not much else.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Kimo Sabe Mezcal Reposado: Rubedo
Distiller Score 85
Milk chocolate, vanilla and caramel are dusted with cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. It's very much on the sweet side, with a creamy finish of toasted coconut, orange peel, marzipan and only a small hint of smoke.
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