Johnathan Barbieri, Distiller Bottle 568 of 1671 Lote: 17-BOT 45% Nose: super bright botanical scent. Immediately, I’m getting juniper and star anise. It’s a permeating smell. I poured 1oz and sit it on my bedside table and could smell it from the other side of my queen bed. Second smell I get the note of coriander, fennel seed, and nutmeg. The mezcal is underneath the botanicals, as it is the base. I get a vegetal smell, like a green pepper or mint. It’s obviously very herbaceous. Smells sweet. Taste: I can definitely see how this could be a sipping gin. I’ve never sipped gin before, as I’ve only used it in some cocktails. I find this very pleasant. The 45% hits your tongue in a pleasant wave as you savor the botanicals with the espadín base. I find it to be overwhelmingly juniper forward but with some spice and citrus underneath to help balance it out. My go to gin cocktails are an aviation and a gimlet, I think this would excel there. I’ve never had a Negroni but I’d be interested to try one traditional style and one with this pierde almas +9 botanicals to be able to compare/contrast. Very delicious as a sipping gin though. I could see this being used as an aperitif or digestif truly. Depends on the meal. I bought this because I was so intrigued by a gin and mezcal combo and for the $80 USD I paid, I feel that it was worth it.