Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky

Dynamic, estery nose. Almost headst or tequila like. Delicate and fruity palate

Inter sting whiskey, like a mix of decent whiskey and tequila. Definitely worth the experience, but wouldn’t go so far as to call it good, but not bad either.

When placing a whiskey order, there was a new option I hadn’t seen before to add a surprise for just $2, so I checked that option and eagerly awaited my new bottles and surprise. After the bottles arrived, I unpacked the bottles then proceeded to dig in those Styrofoam packing peanuts like I was a kid digging up play gems at those cavern exhibits until I found a mini bottle of this Mexican whiskey in there. Looks like it’s time to pull up that whiskey map, check off another country for my whiskey exploration and find out how this one tastes. The nose starts with a light acetone note that fades but remains in the background of charcoal grilled charred corn on the cob followed by poached pears along with a vegetal note close to cooked agave, vanilla pudding and roasted chestnuts with light ethanol burn. The taste is a thin-medium mouthfeel starting with a light acetone note that fades but remains in the background of charcoal grilled charred and buttered corn on the cob followed by poached pears along with a cooked agave, olive oil covered charred bell peppers then roasted chestnuts and gingersnap cookies with light ethanol burn. The finish is short with buttered popcorn, olive oil covered roasted bell peppers, gingersnap cookies and light acetone. This is a different take on whiskey that has almost a fusion of mezcal meets whiskey style to it that brings in charred corn, citrus fruits along with mezcal aromas that are young and slightly astringent, but overall enjoyable. I didn’t really care for it at first, but over a few tastings this has really improved and I think they are putting their own spin on whiskey instead of trying to mimic other styles. I’d like to revisit this distillery at an older age and higher proof, but for those of you that don’t care for mezcal, I’d recommend steering clear of this one.

Nose: strong perfume. Take a small sniff to smell nuances. Taste: smooth, vegetal like an agave without the smokiness. Similar to La Gritona Tequila. Buttery, herbal, interesting. Bought this because I wanted to support Mexican whiskeys considering corn was domesticated by the Indigenous People of Mexico thousands of years ago.

Golden. Agave, butter, corn nose. Perhaps a touch of caramel or toffee. There’s a hint of spice behind moderate sweetness with flavors of cornbread and light agave. It took some getting used to, as my brain initially fixated on the agave-esqueness of it, but it is growing on me. Not great, or of comparison with my preferred Scotch or bourbon, but interestingly different and surprisingly smooth.

Nose: Sweet corn - combo of artificial sweetener and sugar. Buttery and lactic. Very subtle baking spice and oak. Also some herbal and vegetal character. A little stewed strawberry with black pepper and balsamic. Unique but pleasant. Palate: Kettle corn. Bubblegum. Mint. A little dusty leather and cigar wrapper. White pepper. Clarified butter. Solid balance overall, if more subtle than I'd normally go for. Hits the front of the palate mostly. Light mouthfeel, though with some oil content. Finish: Rush of buttered popcorn without salt. A little oak floats by, though not much. Pepper, under-ripe stone fruits, just a flash of clove. Medium length. Other notes: THis is a unique pour, well suited to the summer. It's not overly sweet or intense, and it provides an excellent option against more traditional corn-based whiskeys. I picked this up purely on a whim and wasn't too sure the first time I tasted it. Now that I've sat with it a few times while the heat rises outside, I think I get it. A solid thumbs up for those who are looking for a different side of the corn whiskey world. Might not find a permanent place in my bar, but I might have to pick up another bottle at some point down the road after I kick this one. Cheers.