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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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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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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
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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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Mezcal Pierde Almas Espadín
Distiller Score 89
The nose is bright and floral with a bit of smoke, hints of citrus and tropical fruit. The palate is smooth on entry, with agave notes upfront that give way to more fruit notes that include banana, apple and orange peel. The lingering finish continues with more agave, as well as a noticeable minerality, anise and subtle smoke.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Cráneo Organic Mezcal
Distiller Score 88
A mixture of sweet, roasted agave and smoke greet you on the nose. The roasted quality continues with further trips to the glass with the aromas leading to roast vegetables and ancho chilies. The mezcal is round and soft on the palate with the savory quality continuing on the finish. The finish is tart and gently smoky. One to sip and savor rather than mix.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Siembra Metl Cenizo Mezcal
Distiller Score 94
The oxymoron descriptor of "dirty and fresh" seems to best sum up this mezcal. The nose is soft and citrus-y with notes of ash, marjoram, and a hint of terra cotta. The palate follows suit with more citrus, dried herbs and mastica, with a long, slightly savory but very mineral-like finish. This mezcal definitely leans into the more exotic and esoteric side of mezcal and is undeniably complex and seductive with its myriad layers of flavors.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Convite Mezcal Espadin Madrecuishe
Distiller Score 84
There's a lot going on with the aroma, not just the smoke, but yes there's smoke. There's also a huge earthy component with lots of clay, mineral, and dried herbs and tobacco. The mezcal is moderately full on the palate and the earthy, smoky profile returns. Sweet agave notes are found on the tip of your tongue, but the earthy, smoky profile dominates. Nothing wrong with that. Definitely a sipper, but it could stand to be a few degrees higher with the proof.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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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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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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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