Banhez Mezcal Ensamble

Weak, lightly smoky, got a little spice to it. Pass.

Rating: 14/23 - Nose - Bold, smoky, tart. Makes me think of typical, solid espadin mezcal. Some sort of funk brings in a rich savoriness. - Palate - The alcohol isn't super strong. Surprisingly earthy. Not all that sweet. Hints of Bleu cheese. The smoke isn't in my face, but it is present. The palate is fairly full, though it doesn't have a ton of mouthfeel. It also is only moderately rich. Some vegetal flavor coming out adds interest, but is well under control. The overall profile is solid, but the flavors are a little bit muddled. As I sip more of this, the palate develops, transforming the earth into more of a stewed agave flavor with a slight caramel sweetness. Even further along, bitter herbal and mint flavors start coming out. - Finish - The agave heads back in the direction of earth. The mint grows, making a clean finish. There are light nuances from the agave and earth, but not a ton is going on there. - Conclusion - In spite of all of the flavors going on here, this mezcal isn't grabbing me. I find it to be just a bit too muddled in its core. It's solid though. I'm thinking a 14 but it could be a 15. Oh, after a sip of water, this somehow tastes more muddled and less sweet. It could be a 13 now. I guess I'm going with a 14.