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rsidrys
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Catholic husband and father of four. 100% Lithuanian. Grew up in Chicago, live in Jacksonville, FL. Work in the finance industry. More of a collector and enthusiast than a drinker. But don't get me wrong, I love sipping my Mezcal ?
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Del Maguey San Luis Del Rio

Jun 27, 2018

Pretty straight forward Espadin – nothing much stood out. After enjoying the complexity of Chichicapa, this was a little disappointing. Nevertheless, still very drinkable.

Nuestra Soledad Lachigui

Jun 27, 2018

Definitely one of my favorite Espadins. I found this complex, fruity, and smooth – especially for the ABV. I first tried the 2014 Edition 01, then ended buying a later year for my home collection. Considering the quality of the juice and who the producer is, this bottle is a steal at its modest price.

Nuestra Soledad Sta. Ma. Zoquitlan

Jun 27, 2018

Going by memory on this one, so no detailed notes, but the overall impression stuck with me. I tried this in a Nuestra Soledad flight and this particular bottle was dominated by alcohol, so it was my least favorite of the 3. It was just opened, but so were the other 2, which didn’t have the overpowering alcohol. It wasn’t unbearable, but definitely distracting. Edition 1, 2014.

Pierde Almas La Puritita Verda

Jun 27, 2018

Basic and balanced.

Donaji Ensamble

May 18, 2018

I tried this in Oaxaca while we were on our way to visit a palenque. I love ensambles and found this one enjoyable. It a had a smooth and mellow freshness to it. I’m going by memory on this review, so I won’t be able to give more specific descriptors.

5 Sentidos Papalometl

May 18, 2018

I was blown away when I found out that I could buy such a rustically produced “agave distillate” here in the US. One would expect to have to trek personally into the countryside of Oaxaca to find a treasure like this. Needless to say, I went into this bottle with very high expectations.

To be fully honest, once I cracked this open, my initial impressions were not the greatest. I found it light, subtle, and having too much alcohol presence. BUT PLEASE READ ON….

I stuck with it, and over a period of a few weeks it was like watching a flower bloom. What I get from it now is totally different from my first samplings. One thing I like is how the nose, mouth, and finish are very consistent. There is a brininess mixed with fruit (berries, melon, etc…) that I get throughout, especially in the mouth. There’s also hints of freshly conditioned leather, mostly on the nose and finish (not sure if that’s just a mental thing knowing how it’s fermented). The finish also has a lingering minerality which makes me wonder how I ever thought this was subtle. Granted, it’s not in your face like some mezcal, but it’s a gorgeous spirit. A key takeaway from this: LET YOUR SPIRITS BREATHE!

Ilegal Joven

May 12, 2018

This is the second mezcal I ever tried. There’s citrus, mild smoke, and eucalyptus on the nose. Taste has those qualities with the addition of vanilla, almost as though it was barrel aged. The finish fades rather quickly.

I really liked it when I first had it and would have probably given it a 4 at the time, but after experiencing more complex mezcal that lingers on the palate, this one is a bit too “shallow” and short for me. It’s a good option for those who are smoke-averse.

Unión Uno

Nov 2, 2016

Used mostly for cocktails, though pleasant enough to sip on. Had the usual smoky agave earthiness with pine and citrus as the standout features – perhaps from the Cirial agave that was blended in with the Espadin.

If I could, I’d rate it just below 3 (like a 2.8), because it did seem to lack balance and reminded me too much of Pine-Sol (see pine and citrus reference).

Del Maguey Chichicapa

Nov 2, 2016

The first Mezcal I ever tried, and it got me hooked! Very smoky, but a clean and pleasant smoke with a hint of bacon. You can taste the agave earthiness, and tropical fruits on the mouth and finish along with citrus and mint. Highly recommend this to newbies as its easy to find in most markets.

Nuestra Soledad San Baltazar

Nov 2, 2016

Solid Espadin with the usual smoke and earthiness you’d expect, with the addition of cinnamon overtones – first time I experienced that in a joven Mezcal.

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