Del Maguey Espadín Especial Mezcal

Smoke and citrus with menthol. It is also sweet, but deeply bitter. Also tastes a bit of cherry. Interesting, but not a fan. Tastes terribly of brine.

Quick hit. Not getting much out of this as discussed with cascode it's been open a bit too long. Just noting for the record. Would like to try a fresh sample one day. Thanks anyway cascode!

* My bottle: From Lot no. SMA-124 Nose: Supurbly soft, rounded, fruity and floral notes with a light sandalwood background. Sweet plant sap and a touch of briny tang. Reminiscent of a crisp maritime highland single malt with a subtle sherry finish and a suggestion of smoke. A dash of water both softens and enhances the smoke. A really enjoyable nose. Palate: A fascinating balance between salt and sweet. There is a light sweet and fruity arrival, which quickly morphs into a briny character. In the development chilli heat emerges, but no pepper - it's more fruity than spicy. As it sits in the mouth smokiness begins to unfold and then suddenly an intense second wave of salt floods the palate, only to vanish again just as quickly. Finish: Long, salt/sweet, warm and smooth. The salty and smoky vegetal notes continue into the distance. Eventually the saltiness is replaced by a mineral sweetness. Quite briny, but there is an alluring soft creaminess to the nose that draws you back again and again. The palate is initially almost shy and restrained, but it quickly and unexpectedly blossoms. The strong salty note might be a bit too much for some palates - if so a dash of water opens things up wonderfully and reveals a balancing sweetness. "Good" : 84/100 (3.75 stars)