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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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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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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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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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Gracias a Dios Piña Mezcal
Distiller Score 89
Tropical fruit aromas curl around scents of roasted agave and sweet mesquite smoke on the nose. The pineapple adds dimension, rather than dominating the palate. It mixes with flavors of rich, milk chocolate, earthy charcoal smoke and a hint of grapefruit zest. The finish is earthy, tangy, and zesty with a curl of sweet smoke rather than too sweet and fruity overall.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster