Monte Alban has a distinct flavor, quite different from other mezcals and, unfortunately, more along the lines of cheap tequila. I have tasted a lot of mezcals and this one missed the mark. It lacked the smokey essence that makes mezcal preferable to tequila for me. I tasted it alongside El Silencio, an equally cheap mezcal, and the Monte Alban was nowhere near as good. I guess when life gives you a bottle Monte Alban, make margaritas! I'm wondering if I got a bottle from a bad batch, because other reviews seem to think more highly of it.