A beautifully clear, slightly viscous and oily pour, this mezcal has quite a notable nose. Sweet, vegetal, oil smoke - vaguely reminiscent of coal smoke - cracked black pepper, ethanol, and a lush "alive" note I find quite addictive. Even before my first taste this left a very nice first impression for such an affordable bottle. On the palate first up is sweet agave. I'd almost think this was sweetened. The oil smoke is there, strong but balanced. Elements of asphalt, fresh cut green vegetation (think young pole beans), cactus, green apples, black pepper, and slight bitter quince on the fade. The finish is clean and moderate with sweetness, smoke, and that vegetal bitterness fading slowly. Very sippable neat, I purchased this with the idea of cocktails. Oaxacan Old Fashioned, Mezcal Negronis, and more are in my future. This is a good mezcal for under $40.