https://www.tequila.net/ https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=3469 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=3469 An exceptional Tobala. The initial taste is incredibly round and generous with a totally unexpected level of finesse. It finishes with authority leaving impressions of spice and smoke. This is a marvelous mezcal, one of the few counterpoints to Del Maguey. Not to be overlooked. ]]> Sat, 28 May 2016 23:29:50 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=3431 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=3431 What a surprise. This is a fantastic Mezcal. The first sip is a bit of a shock. It's very peaty with some heavy mineral overtones. The aroma reminds me of cheese. I was lucky enough to get an intro from a great bartender in Orlando. By the second taste, this was smooth and I couldn't switch to my staple tequila. ]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2015 03:16:30 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2988 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2988 Colour Clear Aroma :Smokey, slight sulphur, Cooked Agave, Pineapple & Honey Taste : Beautifully smooth Mezcal, with the initial taste being slightly sweet, with pear, caramel and cooked agave, moving beautifully through the mid palate with a smokey & peppery hit, great length and balance Finish Beautiful length. Wow, definitely one of the best Mezcals I have tried!!! Saludos! For a Mezcal that runs at 45% this is incredibly smooth. ]]> Wed, 31 Jul 2013 08:56:37 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2765 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2765 Tasted out of a snifter 16/12/2012. Taster's note: this was tasted on a cold day in a cold house. I'm sure if I'd had chance to warm it a bit more it would receive an even better review. I've never tried Mezcal before, and the first thing I notice about this is the pleasant nose. I find the nose of a lot of tequilas to be overpoweringly alcoholic when taken from a snifter; often you have to do a little searching for the real nose. Not so with this mezcal. It's a pleasant combination of fruit and smokiness (I don't get the 'ash' that the editor mentioned, just a pleasant smokiness with a hint of unlit tobacco - similar to rooibos tea). I find it quite a strongly flavoured nose, if that makes sense. Initial taste is very smooth and mild, but is quickly followed by a very quick powerful blast of sweet heat that smooths into a nice warming finish that doesn't last particularly long, but doesn't quite fade completely for a while. Lots of agave, smoke, and floral notes. It almost comes across as being aged more than it is, there's a slight woodiness buried in there that I'm sure would be much more present in the repo and anejo of this line. The finish has a buried note of sourness that is not unpleasant. It slips down very easily. Originally I was a little sceptical of mezcal, often having had it described as akin to a 'less refined' tequila, or perhaps a more 'raw' flavour. However, while I can see where those descriptions come from, I would like to note that they're not entirely accurate. I wouldn't call it 'less refined' or 'raw', but perhaps 'more powerful'. It's a very strong flavour, and I'm wondering if I actually prefer it to tequila for the money. Which leads me on to it's price. VERY reasonable. Not cheap, by any means, but to get myself a tequila that I enjoy as much I would expect to pay a lot more. Whether that's just because it's mezcal and not tequila, I don't know. The only slight disappointment for me is the presentation. While it's a clean, authentic looking label (with handwritten number) in a somewhat minimalist bottle (which, when coupled with the label looks good), the wax seal didn't cover the join between cork and bottle completely, and the cork isn't a great fit (feels slightly loose) and I wonder how good the seal it forms really is. Maybe this it's just this one bottle, who knows? The pictures on this site look like the wax has been applied with more care. Had these two issues been better, it would have scored much higher, as the bottle itself does evoke an impression of a home-produced spirit back in the olden days, and I like that that reflects it's history. It's not JUST a bottle, it has a story to tell. All in all, this is a great mezcal and I don't think it's going to last long before I'll be keeping an eye out for it's older brothers to replace it. I'm VERY interested to try the anejo now (and indeed, other mezcals). For the record, I MUCH prefer this to the various blanco tequilas I have. Highly recommended. ]]> Sun, 16 Dec 2012 18:35:31 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2733 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2733 I'll be the first to admit that I am a newbie to the world of Mezcal and that I've not yet fully learned to appreciate all of the flavors in them. With that said, I'll do my best to tell what I experienced. Aroma: The nose is a bit medicinal. Some grassy and citrus notes. It doesn't smell like a tequila, but something with a bit more bitterness. Initial Taste: A hint of sweetness with a bit of pine type flavors that makes it somewhat bitter. Body: Medium body. Not at all the same kind of agave character as the blue agave. There's still some grass-like flavors, but rubbery notes come into play and overshadow a faint sweetness. Finish: A rubbery flavor on the finish that lasts longer than I want it to. Hints of pine and mint as well. I know that mezcals can have a finish that tends toward the smoky and rubbery. There was no burn at all and it was smooth. The linger lasted quite a while. If you are someone who drinks mezcals on a regular basis, I can say that this is something that you would like. It has a lot of the trademark flavors in a very easy to drink spirit. Mezcals thus far have not been in my wheelhouse as much as Tequilas, but I'm interested to learn more about them and try more. This one is on the pricey end, so it's probably not for someone just jumping into mezcals. ]]> Mon, 12 Nov 2012 06:08:03 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2572 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2572 I visited Oaxaca in 2010 and had a chance to attend a mezcal festival. I believe this happens only once a year during the Guelaguetza Music Festival. For the sum of only 50 pesos (about $4.00) you could sample as many mezcals as you wished. I had the opportunity to taste about 40 mezcals. Many of these were anjeos and I had never had an anjeo mezcal before. This is, of course, not an anjeo mezcal. I had tasted it one time before, but, unfortunately, it was not at the mezcal festival in Oaxaca. So - I am trying to compare the flavor of this mezcal to anjeo mezcals. Of the 40 mezcals I tried there were only two that I liked as much as tobala mezcal. I believe the difference is in the fact that tobala is wild-collected and not cultivated for production. If you want a strong distinctive mezcal that tastes like no other - this is the one. I believe it is difficult for an American to really fully appreciate the flavor of a true mezcal. Get ready for a shock to your system - nose, tongue, mouth, throat and, finally stomach. Mezcals are not for everyone - but they are for me. The tobala mezcal is only processed once a year so the bottles are relatively precious. Buy one - if you can - taste and compare- you will be amazed. ]]> Sat, 14 Jul 2012 04:32:22 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2140 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2140 To find a Mezcal at this price, that tastes this good is close to impossible. This was the 5th bottle of Mezcal I had tried and I was so glad I did. Super smooth and very little heat on the finish. Some smoke and mint. My only problem with the Metl is that I killed the bottle in 3 days by myself. The alcohol content is 44-48% which I assume is average for a Mezcal of this quality. The presentation is spot on as well, very cool matte black bottle. Pick some up, you won't be disappointed!!! ]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:55:42 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2063 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2063 This latest incarnation of Metl Mezcal blanco should not be allowed anywhere near teenagers. If they get a hold of it, well, let's just say it would cause more problems in this world than we already have. It's a 96-proof mezcal. The first 96 mezcal I have ever had...be forewarned that this one can "jump" on you. It gets the party started pretty fast. WHOOO HOOOO!!!!! OK, back to business.... The nose is pleasant. It has a peppery alcohol outline, a light leathery nose with a hint of dried fruit. A pretty subdued "wow" factor, just a clean and straightforward tease for what is to follow. Initially, a bit of pepper/dried chile kick to it, plus the alcohol hotness, which may be due to the higher proof, but a nice light earthy, creaminess to it. Dare I say woodiness? After the heat settles, and by the way, I don't want to overstate the hotness, but it IS there, but only initially, on the first substantial sip. After this, the fruitiness comes forth, becoming exposed as an integral part of a robust, viscous body as it swirls around and over the tongue. More mango than pineapple, not in a cane-sugary way, but more deeply sweet, and naturally blended with a moderate smokiness whole, which persists throughout a very long finish, pleasant mineral trace elements lining your mouth's interior. I was surprised that there is almost no heat by the time it reaches the throat. The drink is consistent from nose to long finish. Best to be consumed when you are somewhere with no plans to be driving anywhere, in a comfortable chair, in a room with other aficionados. It's just too easy to keep drinking this one. It really gets smooth after that first shot and holds together really well. Others might be quick to say that this is not the most complex mezcal they have ever had, but I feel that it is a very enjoyable drink, and the price point was reasonable (I think it was 42-ish). This makes for a good contribution to the mezcal market, accessible to working stiffs such as myself. Oh yeah, and the bottle? Love it. Hella thick glass. Dark and mysterious, alpha-male, like the new Batmobile. Love the big arse cork. I admit, I swiped my finger and licked the residual on the wide lip after my pours. Most importantly, the wide base provides for great stability, a good "product feature" to have by the time you are at the halfway point with this one! -Agave Sipper ]]> Sat, 10 Sep 2011 06:51:16 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2017 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=2017 As a big fan of big, peaty Islay single malt whisky, I've been on the hunt for a similarly arranged mezcal. The hunt is over. Appearance: Crystal clear. Long legs form when swirled around the snifter. It kind of sparkles and dares you to think it's delicate. Nose: Smoke. Big, mesquite-like, oven-baked agave smoke. Mild notes of citrus are left on the backbone. Initial taste: The initial taste is dominated by the smoke. This mezcal doesn't play around. Body: Rich and bold. Surprisingly built for a blanco. Finish: Once the smoke subsides, then you get to partake in the subtle nuances of baked agave, grass, and citrus. The finish turns this one-trick-pony into a fine sipper. Really, really enjoyable. If you can get passed the packaging (that is kind of charming in an weird way), then this is a great mezcal to have around. It's not delicate, it's not dainty, and I feel like I might have insulted it by drinking it out of crystal stemware. Definitely one of my most entertaining purchases. ]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:57:44 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1843 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1843 Fidencio Mezcal Joven * Tasted January 2011 * Riedel Tequila Glass Appearance: clear - slow tears Aroma: sweet agave, herbal and floral Initial Taste: buttery agave, earthy Spirit Body: espadin agave, vegetal Finish / Aftertaste: sweet lemon grass Pure Espadin Mezcal without the smoke, a unique spirit with excellent flavor. ]]> Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:27:16 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1757 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1757 This is a big and bold mezcal ]]> Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:27:58 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1755 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1755 smooth and elegant! ]]> Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:21:14 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1638 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1638 Ilegal Joven * Tasted June 2010 * Riedel Tequila Glass Appearance: clear - medium tears Aroma: sweet smoked agave, light floral, ash, tobacco, eucalyptus Initial Taste: sweet agave, tangy with hint of raisins Spirit Body: floral, smoke Finish / Aftertaste: medium finish with smoke and ash ]]> Mon, 02 Aug 2010 03:26:09 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1495 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1495 I was heartened to see a few like minded individuals on this page. I tried my first real Mezcal(Del Maguey Santo Domingo) this year, and was struck by the complexity that I never knew existed in anything other than single-malt scotch. I just tried the Chichicapa tonight, and was absolutely blown away. What struck me most was the incredibly complex, satisfying finish. The potency of it is something to behold as well. Being almost 50% abv, what I thought was my aperitif lasted me through my full meal. I may try my next with a splash of water. What I'm not sure of is if I'll ever go back to my Laproaig. Certainly I will be starting my search for a bottle of my tomorrow. ]]> Sat, 17 Apr 2010 06:41:33 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1302 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=1302 Perfectly cristalline and extremely thin in the glass. Initial aromas of olive, mown hay, pear and mild alcohol. Very light on the tongue, it opens with a vague creamy sweetness and unfamiliar grassy flavours. The sweetness soon yields to a mild bitterness at the back of the mouth. Herbal flavours and the noted bitterness dominate a clean but quick and otherwise unremarkable finish, leaving a slight astringency and soft buzz rather than a sharp alcohol tingle. Overall, it is an unusually light product - completely apart from the smoky depths of other mezcales. It is also only 36% alcohol, and that might explain some of its mild characteristics. Although there is little in this product that would entice me to buy it again, I do spend time each year in Oaxaca, and will certainly investigate more carefully other mezcales blancos. ]]> Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:31:55 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=986 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=986 When I did the Del Maguey tasting at work, this is the one I started with. Out of all the Del Maguey's this is by far the lightest style on offer. On the nose you have a distinct floral and citrus overtones with a spattering of trademark smokiness lingering in the background. On the mouth, the citrus along with pepper come through strong and hard filling your mouth with a spicy creaminess that wasn't expected from the initial sniff. The finish is clean and leaves you with a perfumed smoke flavour in the back of your throat. Definitely a starter for the person looking to get into the Mezcal ranks. ]]> Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:39:37 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=985 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=985 This Mezcal has put me in between a rock and a hard place. Firstly its a blanco so the flavours and aromas are going to be different to my prefered Repo's and Anejo's. I am not going to say I don't like it but I am not the biggest fan. I think when you smell a Mezcal there should be a little smoke but with the Jaral there is little to none. The aromas are more floral and herbaceous, more like a high quality tequila. It just tastes a little too commercial for me. Although it does have a long and clean finish, it doesn't really weigh up in the mouth. Overall, an ok blanco mezcal that would be good for the novice. ]]> Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:31:37 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=970 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=970 This is one of my favorite mezcals. I got in seven bottles of this in for my bar in the restaurant. It is worth the dollars you pay for it. The nose is a blend of sweet cooked agave, stewed fruit and the tell tale funk of Oaxaca wood. Being a crema you expect it to be either overall sweet or flat and tasteless. This is neither. The initial taste is a mix of gentle agave syrup and smoke as it rolls down your tongue, chocolates, coffee and caramel just hit you. The smoke is there till the end giving this mezcal a overall roundness. The finish is clean with hints of smoke and agave lingering. ]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:42:28 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=444 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=444 This mezcal is not for everyone. I discovered it on my last trip to Oaxaca and met with Florencio and his palenqueros in one of the small villages outside of Oaxaca. I must say the process initially intrigued me more than the product. But, they have done their homework and all the bits meld together to provide an exceptional Mezcal. It's a keeper. ]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:26:32 +0000 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=443 https://www.tequila.net/mezcal-reviews/blancos/discussions/review.html?id=443 I'm a new member to this post - in fact signed up just a few hours ago. I'm delighted to have read at least one review of my favorite drink. I've been drinking Chichicapa mezcal for the past dozen or so years after having moved to Texas for graduate school. I am now back in Brooklyn and have not met anyone who has understood the pleasure of drinking Chichicapa. Succinctly stated it is by far the best alcoholic beverage on the planet, albeit I respect of course that it is not for everyone. I've turned some people on to it yet they were unable to appreciate its smoky seductive nature and power. The member "tukeelabeep" has hit it right on the head in all accounts. In fact I agree with this member's comments completely (with the exception that I gave 100's in my ratings). I would add that drinking Chichicapa is like giving your insides a wonderful slow glow -- the smoky taste first embraces one's tongue with a subtle warmth and slowly dances down one's throat warming everything in its path and finally landing gently in one's chest region where I like to believe it ultimately warms the soul. I guess I could say (I'm going out on a limb here folks) Chichicapa seemingly wraps its taste around the heart in a unique blanket of smoky warmth. I know I sound rather dramatic and poetic in my description but it's all good - all true. Drink it and feel the power. It's a beautiful experience. If you're living in a cold zone and you're without a fireplace, like me, then drink Chichicapa. You'll understand. But please sip it. I'm not a rep by the way (though I would like to meet Faustino Garcia Vasquez and visit Chichicapa one of these days); I'm just an exuberant guy who appreciates good things. And Chichicapa fits the bill. Big time. ]]> Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:14:38 +0000