Banhez Mezcal Ensamble

Rating: 14/23 - Nose - Bold, smoky, tart. Makes me think of typical, solid espadin mezcal. Some sort of funk brings in a rich savoriness. - Palate - The alcohol isn't super strong. Surprisingly earthy. Not all that sweet. Hints of Bleu cheese. The smoke isn't in my face, but it is present. The palate is fairly full, though it doesn't have a ton of mouthfeel. It also is only moderately rich. Some vegetal flavor coming out adds interest, but is well under control. The overall profile is solid, but the flavors are a little bit muddled. As I sip more of this, the palate develops, transforming the earth into more of a stewed agave flavor with a slight caramel sweetness. Even further along, bitter herbal and mint flavors start coming out. - Finish - The agave heads back in the direction of earth. The mint grows, making a clean finish. There are light nuances from the agave and earth, but not a ton is going on there. - Conclusion - In spite of all of the flavors going on here, this mezcal isn't grabbing me. I find it to be just a bit too muddled in its core. It's solid though. I'm thinking a 14 but it could be a 15. Oh, after a sip of water, this somehow tastes more muddled and less sweet. It could be a 13 now. I guess I'm going with a 14.

1.8.22 Served: Neat Bottle Open: Same Day Aroma: Very gentle for a mezcal. Smoke, polished leather, old carpet, blue cheese, sour milk, dried fruit. Flavor: The very same as the aroma, but mild enough to be inoffensive. Slightly sweet with a very thin body. Overall kind of boring but very sippable/shootable.

Great value mezcal. Just a bit of smoke. Agave sweetness. Some fruit - pineapple maybe? Even a little something savory, too, maybe salted bacon fat. Mint extract / menthol burn (in a good way). Excellent value, interesting to drink near, great substitute for tequila to spice up a margarita.

Some familiar espadin notes, lime peel, rubbery smoke, saponin bitterness but there is also pronounced black pepper right before the finish which is mildly sweet and medium length. Not a very robust mezcal in terms of smokiness but it was a solid sipper. Good for the price too.

Online cinco de Mayo drammers pour. Nose: Cooked Agave, Papaya, Mint, Pineapple, Vanilla Bean, Green Bell Pepper, Flowers Palate: Cooked Agave, Smoke, Green Pepper, Citrus, Pineapple, Mango, Mint Finish: Cooked Agave, Anise, Pineapple, Caramel, Vanilla, Citrus

This was the first Mezcal I’ve purchased and I enjoyed the flavor and smokiness. The smokiness is just right for my taste, drinking it straight or in mezcalritas.