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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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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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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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Gracias a Dios Mezcal Tobalá
Distiller Score 94
Though this mezcal certainly contains all the things tobalá aficionados crave, it does so with some restraint. Bandaid-like rubberiness, strong smoke and stewed peppers are the dominant flavors, but with some sweet tropical notes and even some fresh mint. Accents of black pepper, portobello mushroom and dark chocolate add more intrigue to this viscous and nuanced spirit.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal
Distiller Score 94
As with many traditionally made mezcals there can be batch variation and the Chichicapa is no exception. That said, what you should expect on the nose is for there to be an intense and not shy aroma. Sweet and savory with notes of butterscotch, burnt sugar, fireworks, pine, grilled pineapple and freshly snapped green beans. Much of that is mirrored on the palate but with emphasis on: tamarind, butterscotch, smoky bacon, grilled pineapple and sea salt. Truly a bold spirit. Lush, rich, fatty, sweet, savory and contemplative. All while accomplishing the rare feat of being both filling and refreshing!
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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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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Gracias a Dios Mezcal Tepextate
Distiller Score 92
For those seeking a lighter take on mezcal, this is a good one to reach for. Lightweight and refreshing, the herbal notes cleanse and awaken the palate with peppery spice, spearmint, wheatgrass and mace with a waft of sweet smoke. Grapefruit, tangerine, lime and lemon provide the fruit backdrop, while a zing of chili pepper gives it some heat in the finish.
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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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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Espíritu Lauro Joven Mezcal
Distiller Score 87
This mezcal is so funky it almost has its own bassline! This is a super earthy style with flavors of mushrooms and roasted green peppers. It has a minerally finish with a full, weighty texture and light smoke. Definitely one mezcal aficionados should try for sheer uniqueness and complexity.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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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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Mezcal El Silencio Joven
Distiller Score 89
This has a cleaner and less complex aroma compared to its black-bottled brother, the El Silencio Espadín. There are some pottery notes and a very faint smoke. Lots of fruit appears along with some banana leaf. A nice minty profile shows up on the palate and the mezcal is round and soft. All in all, a clean and uncomplicated expression.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno