Bozal Espadín-Barril-Mexicano

Nice to find a (hopefully) good mezcal in the Midwest that isn't Vida. Of course, the packaging is very attractive, but I hope what's inside also stands up. What is impressive is to be able to find a mezcal, or even a tequila, that's higher than 80 proof, so this merits a good start. Agave and unknown botanicals is the first thing I get on the scent. There is salt, and the agave that is present seems well cooked down and less harsh, but there isn't much else here, and certainly no smoky profile. Very clean and simple agave fill the mouth on the initial taste. There's a sugar water backing to this, but it's not sweet enough to be just sugar. The salt is here, but muted somewhat, letting agave with lighter floral notes and medium vegetal flavors steal the show. There is a hint of smokiness near the finish, right before the slightly higher proof introduces an impressive burn. This is a really nice, high quality mezcal that, again, I did not expect to find in a small store in the Midwest. It's not as smoky as I would have liked, but I didn't have anything to go off of to believe it would be. It's tiers above quality and taste compared to Vida, and very attractive for the price point. As long as you're not trying to find a show stopper mezcal, this would be a great pick to have around, to both impress but keep things simple.

Nose starts a little bitter-sweet like grapefruit cocktail, with a tiny bit of leather and moderate smoke. Nicely balanced, down-the-middle sweetness but richer, maybe even oily-smelling, like marinated olives. On the palate there's a fresh sweetness and smoke, like a roasting carrots on a barbecue. Some pepper and herbs. There's a very pleasing crescendo/decrescendo with a moderately-long finish. Good balance. Smoke is definitely present lingering underneath throughout but never upstaging the other notes.

I’m not gonna lie, the bottle adds more to this Mezcal’s appeal than what’s inside. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s a good mezcal. It goes down nicely, and don’t leave much of a mark. Tasting notes? It smells synthetic (like rubber).. it’s a little spicy on the way down, and a little hint of citrus... and nothing more. One thing is for sure though, it’s definitely not smoky! Still a 4/5 though.. but if you’re staring at it, and the Tobische next to it, definitely pick the blue bottle instead.

Lots of fruit and floral elements on the nose, with charred pineapple, candied orange peels, honeysuckle and a touch of smoke. Very rich, slightly sweet and smokey on the palate, with some toasted marshmallows, orange zest, cocoa nibs, browned butter, and campfire smoke. Long, satisfying finish, with more campfire smoke and light buttery sweetness on the back end. An elegant and complex mezcal.

I do not have much experience on which to gauge this mezcal. It is smoky, lightly herbal, with a tinge of sweetness and a rubber-quality. That rubber dissipates quickly, but I don’t find it very pleasing. Once it’s gone, you’re left with a pleasant tequila that is much reminiscent of scotch than anything else.

Nose: Fakes strong, then fades fast into a soft smoky, herbaceous breeze. Palette: Taste immediately of smoke and then moves immediately to the back of tongue with a charred cactus and kiln flavor. Finish: Long and smoky, like smelling your clothes the next day after a camp out. Bottle: Love the clay bottle