Ah the worm. Rare in modern artisanal mezcals. This has a distinct connection to the more traditional styles, but isn’t overly meaty and one-dimensional like labels such as Gusano Rojo and more so Lajitas. It’s very earthy, with a nose like a smoky clay oven. Notes of smoke, earth, clay, minerals, and carnitas, with mint, grass and corn. On the palate it’s rich and sweet, with bold flavors of earth, black pepper, caramel, vanilla, agave, smoke, overripe fruit and stony minerals. The finish is long, smoky and spicy. Overall, it’s obviously forward-leaning but still pays tribute to its roots. Very rich and smoky, even slightly meaty, but also very complex. This is far and away the best worm-in mezcal that I’ve tried to date. And for $490 pesos…. Score. @twostal This is going to last a while, but when we get to the end this is the perfect worm bottle!