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Del Maguey Minero Santa Catarina Minas Mezcal
Distiller Score 92
The mezcal shows wet stones, a fair amount of smoke, and dark green vegetation. On the palate, there are high levels of minerals, clay, and more green herbal notes. The mezcal has a tangy quality to it and leads you to a finish which is dry; what lingers is smoke and an almost meaty flavor.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Wahaka Mezcal Joven Madre Cuishe
Distiller Score 95
Fruity and herbaceous on the nose, with lime and agave notes standing out. There is a noticeable minerality, umami and earthiness as well as notes of white pepper and grilled pineapple which the warmer temperatures and drier conditions of the volcanic terrain seem to have brought out in the mezcal. The dry, medium finish shows hints of grass and citrus.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Del Maguey San Luis del Rio Mezcal
Distiller Score 90
The aroma is full of citrus fruits, sweet agave, and an earthy smoke. A touch of clay comes on the palate and this 100% espadín agave mezcal is soft and creamy with much of the same aromas found on the aroma.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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Mezcal Amarás Cupreata
Distiller Score 90
The aroma is funky and intense (in a good way). Sweet green herbs (think tarragon), grilled banana leaves and a light smoke are some of the aromas you'll find. There's an oily quality that helps to cushion the mezcal on your palate. An abundance of green vegetal flavors envelope your senses. This is the kind of mezcal for the person who has no problem traveling alone, still listens to vinyl, and relishes eating offal.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Wahaka Mezcal Tobalá
Distiller Score 95
The nose is sweet and floral, with a distinctive herbaceousness that is one of the tobalá’s signatures. The palate offers notes of mango and pineapple, grass, as well as cinnamon and allspice. The creamy finish is smooth and lengthy, with more tropical fruit, herbal notes and hints of caramel and cloves.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Mezcal Marca Negra Espadín
Distiller Score 92
An interesting bouquet, with fresh agave, mint, peaches, herbs and athletic tape. A hint of a medicinal, smoky quality wafts in the air. On the palate, an initial wave of sweet agave gives way to white pepper, then cooked agave, with an undertone of baked fruit. Freshly zested lime peel is next, the flavors coming so fast that it almost feels like a rollercoaster ride. Things finish off with a note reminiscent of campfire embers, and a hint of graham cracker peeking through the smoke.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Ilegal Mezcal Reposado
Distiller Score 90
For Ilegal Reposado Mezcal, the short time in oak adds a comforting touch of toastiness to this earthy and vegetal style of mezcal. The more rustic pepper flavors give way here to softer fruits like pear and yellow peach with a slightly caramelized characteristic. The smoke is also sweeter, like pipe tobacco and meaty barbecue. It maintains a slight sting of heat as it goes down.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Rey Campero Espadín Mezcal
Distiller Score 92
This is a surprisingly floral and delicate example of this type of mezcal, with aromas of lily of the valley, grapefruit rind and green pepper greeting the nose. The palate is light and fruity, with pineapple, ripe grapefruit, lime and vanilla. More floral flavors and hot chili spice play off each other to add a subtle accent to the finish with just a hint of charcoal smoke.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Del Maguey Santo Domingo Albarradas Mezcal
Distiller Score 88
This is one assertive mezcal! On the nose it offers bold notes of strawberry and fermented fruit alongside rustic agave distillate. These rich flavors carry through to the palate, with lots of tropical fruit, salinity, and a hint of smoky barbecue sauce. Despite its vigorous character and high proof, this is an eminently sippable spirit for those who enjoy the wild and unusual flavors mezcal has to offer. Unique and highly recommended.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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Bruxo No. 2 Pechuga de Maguey Mezcal
Distiller Score 92
This is a Pechuga for the true agave lover - full-bodied, full-flavored and full-on! It's at once floral, chocolatey, sweet and spicy with a viscous texture that has a surprisingly clean finish. The only thing that might disappoint mezcal fans is there is very little smoke, but it makes up for that in saltiness and overall uniqueness.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Wahaka Mezcal Reposado con Gusano
Distiller Score 92
The nose is floral and smoky, offering notes of agave and tobacco. On the smooth and balanced palate, there are notes of roasted agave, vanilla, butterscotch, oak and a light smoke. The dry, medium finish offers grassy and subtle vegetal notes, citrus peel, a hint of almond, and a wisp of smoke at the end.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang