Mezcal El Silencio Espadín

El Silencio is part of the Mezcal brands trying to bridge the gap between making an accessible, gentler Mezcal that will be palatable to Tequila drinkers without compromising too much on traditional Mezcal methods. This is not a wholly industrialized product but it doesn't aim for the traditional Mezcal flavors. As such, this should be viewed as an introductory Mezcal and not one for seasoned veterans. The marketing itself makes it explicit that this is also meant more for mixing than neat sipping & the pricing makes it clear this isn't an artisanal, high level product. I don't have a problem with what El Silencio sets out to do & the glowing online reviews by Mezcal newbies showcase they are doing something right. As far as Mezcals go this is indeed very accessible and smooth. The smokiness is present throughout the experience without feeling overbearing or covering the other flavors. In fact, I initially bought the mini because a recipe called for a splash of Mezcal & it exceeded my expectations, making it's presence known without overpowering any other ingredients. But enough background information, let's get on to the actual tasting. The nose is nothing exceptional. It's actually quite muted all things considered. I could pick out a buttery, almost cream cheese like smell along with a musty, earthy aroma. There's also light, subtle fruity hints but they're ephemeral and hard to pin down. My best guess would be green apple or a tart pear. Bit of a mineral smell too. The most obvious smells are of roasted agave and (by Mezcal standards) light smoke, but these are to be expected. The taste is surprisingly watery and honestly fairly bland. There isn't a lot going on here. The sweet agave is prominent and counter-balanced by the light smokiness. There's a leathery taste to it and a mineral like quality to the finish. I don't have much at all to say about the finish. It's just the smokiness tapering off. This is the closest I've had a Mezcal come to tasting like a Tequila without it feeling like it compromises it's roots. So by all accounts, mission accomplished. I'll finish by stating that this is actually quite a decent mixer. The earthyness, manageable smokiness, sweet agave and faint fruity notes all allow this to be a versatile, cheap mixer. It won't overpower the cocktail but it won't fade into the background either. It's at a good balance. While it's too bland for any Mezcal fan to sip on, it's not bad to keep on hand to introduce someone into the world of Mezcal with a few cocktails and some tastes.

Enjoying neat. Tequila fan, delving into mezcals. Nose is earthy, mineral, green herbs, roasted agave, hints of phenolic smoke. Ethanol is nearly absent. Tasting starts off rich and agave sweet. That phenolic smoke makes a big appearance here. Prominent, but not overwhelming. Lots of minerals, some herbalness in the background. Finish is pretty long and is sacchine sweet/tart and smoky Very smooth. This is to tequila what islay scotch is to whiskey drinkers. I believe this was created for mixing, but is very approachable and sippable, especially for those starting out in mezcals, and you won't be out too much $$ if it's not for you

A noob in the Tequila and Mezcal field, but having various Islay scotches under my bell, this Mezcal hit me right. To start, I was not aware of how much smoke is abosorbed by a Mezcal, so this is a plus. In addition to the smokey notes on the nose, there's a little briny/salty. The palate is peppery, salty, lemon zest and that smoky goodness. Overall, I guess I like Mezcal, it reminds me of those Islay whiskys.

I had a sample of this while waiting in Mexico City's Aeromexico premier lounge. I actually liked the earthy, fruity, minty aroma, but was disappointed by the follow through on the palette. The musty earth taste wasn't my thing...just not a fan of something tasting like lime juice spilled over a bucket of moist soil. Glad I had a sample, but I wouldn't pay for one and sure as heck not seek out a bottle

Great price, but this was kind of disappointing. Clean smoke on the nose. Maybe citrus/prickly pear notes, but straight forward. Sip is agave sweetness and clay; much less smoke than expected or wanted. A bit of funk on the finish,but mostly this just falls flat. Not great for sipping straight & not assertive enough for most cocktails.

Very strong nose, light smoke, mineral notes, earthy. Taste matches the nose - briny, smoky, earthy. Also plum notes, spices. Lots of character, good for sipping and does not get lost in cocktails. Way more interesting than Vida mezcal.