Aguas Mansas Espadin Joven

Nose: Herbal, grilled citrus, a little wood smoke. Palate: Sweet for a second on the arrival then gaining some acidity, but retaining balance. Smoked fragrant wood and bushes, herbal (mint, rosemary, oregano), leathery, a touch of lemon and capsicum, some mild baking seed spices. Good mouthfeel, but not heavy. Finish: Medium. The palate fades to a crisp herbal aftertaste that lingers. This is the last of four quick-hit reviews based on an impromptu tasting at a local liquor shop. I don’t know much about this other than it’s made from 100% espadin and is double distilled in copper pot stills. It is straightforward, certainly less complex than many other mezcals, but it is well balanced and reasonably priced. Be aware that Aguas Mansas produces several types of mezcal, including some made using single wild varieties of agave. Some of these bottlings are much more expensive (this is the least costly product in their range). However apart from the brand name appearing in a different colour, and the wording specifying the variety of plant, all their bottles look identical. "Good" : 83/100 (3.5 stars)