Bozal Tepeztate

This was a rare occasion. My wife and I had a babysitter for another event and snuck out to a restaurant afterward for quick bite and a drink. Even more rare - a Lexington restaurant without a single bourbon on their bar. Tequilla, Mezcal, Rum. I’ll take Mezcal for $6 bob. Actually I tried to take Mezcal for $16 and ordered Del Maguey Tepeztate and this showed up on my bill for $6. That was the only pleasant surprise. Clear liquid served in a small clay bowl atop a wood slab. There was no getting away from the nose being a mixture of saline, ash, possibly sandalwood but more vegetal and barbecue. No aromas of sugar whatsoever. Thin on the tongue with the bite of a jalapeño. Wow. I mean wow in a I want to run but can’t. Fusel fuel, burning rubber, cigarette ash. I try and try again. Roll it on the tongue. Chew. Take in some air. Breathe it out. Maybe some flame broiled green peppers. Not complementary. Imagine a peated scotch - like the ash of Lagavulin but with zero honey, vanilla or fruit flavors to back it up. Just rubber, burning vegetables and ash. I’m deeply sorry if this offends anyone but this is not my jam. I liken it to drinking water from a cigarette pail outside a bar in summer. I can’t recommend doing it.