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Mezcal El Silencio Espadín
Distiller Score 87
There's definitely a little mustiness to this mezcal with some earthy clay notes, moderate smoke, and fresh green herbs. There's also a metallic tinge floating around. The palate is much like the aroma with no discernable fruit and little sweetness. If you fear the funk, best to use this mezcal in cocktails rather than for sipping, but if that is something you can embrace, by all means, sip away.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Mezcal Alipús San Andres
Distiller Score 91
The smoked notes hover over cooked vegetables, earthy mushroom, and sweet tobacco aromas. A sweet and fruity note is found among it all. The body isn't rich but there's a touch of an oily quality to the mouth-feel. The roasted smoke notes come through fairly strong while some cherry fruit greets you on the finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Alacrán Joven Mezcal
Distiller Score 87
The Scorpion announces its presence warily with some smoke, hints of cured meat and whiffs of tobacco, encouraging one to approach. On the palate, sensations become sharper: a bite of woody smoke, amplified by dried citrus peel and Mexican oregano. Having done its deed, the stinger withdraws to allow for a banked-heat finish that is unexpectedly (and deceptively) pretty.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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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 Mala Idea Cuishe Silvestre
Distiller Score 85
The entry on the palate and nose is of bitter, scorched earth, as though tasting the ground just after a fierce gun fight in a forest. Dark chocolate and chili spices enter the fracas, calming things down a bit. Mineral overtones with some bitter lime and grapefruit peel add an extra layer. Not a terribly cuddly mezcal, but somewhat intriguing in its defiantly un-sweet character and fiery finish.
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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Ilegal Mezcal Joven
Distiller Score 82
This mezcal truly tastes of the earth and sun, with strong vegetal notes of green bell pepper, chili pepper, sweet pepper flavors set against sunnier tropical fruits like pineapple, grapefruit and blood orange. The smoke is deep and almost peaty tasting, like a cigar. A gentle burn guides it out into the finish.
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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Koch el Mezcal Espadín
Distiller Score 88
This is textbook espadín on the nose with notes of wool, pecan shells, freshly-cut grass, campfire smoke, and slightly under-ripe pineapple. It becomes a bit punchier on the palate with peanut brittle, more assertive pine, and plantain (both fresh and fried). Other flavors such as caramel, lemon seed, concord grapes, and white pepper follow suit. This espadín has a good amount of smoke, but does not overwhelm and has just enough sweetness on the front and mid-palate, but finishes fairly dry. A great mezcal that can seamlessly transition from being mixed in cocktails to being sipped neat or on the rocks.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Mezcal Alipús Santa Ana del Rio
Distiller Score 88
There's a bit of a fruit funk on the nose, like over-ripe cantaloupe with a bit of a coppery tone. The smoke is on the mild side with chalky minerals mingling with it. The mezcal is clean and crisp with dried herbs and a touch more smoke than the nose, but still not too strong. The finish is a little bitter with a touch of earth left behind.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Gracias a Dios Mezcal Espadín Reposado
Distiller Score 92
There's a fun trifecta of smoke on this mezcal, with charcoal, pipe tobacco and beach barbecue. It tastes more herbaceous than their joven version, with additional mint, rosemary and chive. Mango and pineapple compliment the tangerine and lemon fruits, with caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. The finish is silky and elegant, leaving a pleasant coating as it goes down.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Montelobos Espadín Mezcal Joven
Distiller Score 87
The nose is fairly straight-forward with abundant notes of smoked meats and brine. The palate is where things get more interesting; flavors of lemon zest, salt, grilled rosemary and ash are detected. Overall, this is an enjoyable mezcal and at this price point, one that is very suitable for a cocktail.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat