Montelobos Espadín Mezcal Joven

Sourced from Loma Larga. Notes of grilled lemon, smoke, salt, & sweet rosemary.

This is my first Mezcal tasting. It is a Mezcal Artesanal. So I may come back and change the rating later when I have more to compare it to. But oh man was this delicious! If you're a peaty scotch and tequila lover, you will love Mezcal! The whole experience reminded me of a tequila, blended to perfection with Laphroaig 10yr and Lagavulin 16yr - leathery brine and smoke (not peaty - more BBQ charcoal). The agave was layered underneath it all, adding a grassy earthiness and citrus sweetness (but it wasn't sour). I prefer my whiskeys cask strength and this delivers in a similar way with viscosity (thick and oily), and stronger characteristics but not overpowered by the abv. The finish reminded me of nice cigar with a hint of dried fruit. Perfect for sipping (or kissing) as they tell you to drink it in Oaxaca. 2 oz. pour, neat, and room temp in an old fashioned glass. I think you can usually find a bottle of this for $40 and under.

Amazing. Aaron Cawley’s bottle. So Smokey and good. 4.7