Luminar gets a lot of hate from Mezcal aficionados online but is it warranted? I wanted to take an objective, undogmatic approach to this controversial brand. Right from the get-go it became apparent where the controversy lies. This doesn't smell like a traditional Mezcal. Matter of fact it smells almost exactly like a traditional, borderline generic Tequila! This makes sense of course. It's made from the same agave tequila is made from and truth be told the brand doesn't follow Mezcal tradition. It's close ties with Kimo Sabe, a Mezcal brand known for trying to smooth over Mezcal's smoky edges for a more accessible experience, so it's no surprise it's sister brand takes a similar philosophy to production. So here is what the actual experience is like, considerations of artisan tradition aside. The nose is very approachable with pineapple, vanilla, and oak immediately apparent. There's also a pleasant earthiness to the smell. Even a bit of grassiness to the smell. Pretty standard stuff but there is a distinct if subtle smell of smokiness. On the palate the agave is surprisingly front and center, dancing unrestrained on the tongue for most of the front and mid palate before the pineapple and subtle smokiness take over. The finish is pleasantly of vanilla and oak though they last only for ten seconds before giving way to pineapple and a bitter taste of alcohol. Overall it tastes like a $25 bottle of reposado Tequila would with the added caveat of an underlying smokiness underpinning the entire experience. Personally I don't hate it though I wouldn't buy this bottle if I wanted a Mezcal. It's more what I would get to help a friend transition into Mezcal from Tequila and help them get acclimated to the world of Mezcal. It's up to you whether this training wheel Mezcal is worth getting.