Mystery Mondays Part 5: W

Winding down with the second to last mystery in this series. Up until now, everything has been agave distillate. This time, we got sotol - a desert shrub distilled similarily to mezcal (cooked in earthen pits, terroir driven, small runs). The only ones I've tried are Ocho Cientos Sotol Reposado and Don Cuco Suave Sotol (36% abv). Both had really earthy, straight-dirt-driven noses. Less of that with the sotol below (I would’ve guessed it was a mezcal), but it did behave similarly for me in that the nose is very intense while the palate offers a much lighter experience.

Notes were messaged to Don for the reveal.

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NOSE

Kris: Very Expressive. Backyard shed. Gasoline. Pine. Menthol. Plastic.

Corina: Salt water. Rubber tires.

We both really dig this nose.

FLAVOR

Kris: Minerality up front. Honeydew rind. Vanilla. Eucalyptus. Candied peanuts. Lots of savory spice on the back.

Corina: One of the rare times the nose and palate are almost identical. Rubber tires. Over salted pot roast.

We're equally impressed by the palate.

Palate Structure: Way softer than I imagined after the nose. Moves in mellow waves. Slight bitter spike mid-palate.

Alcohol Integration: 90-100 proof. The nose is big. The palate is very much under control and well structured.

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Score: 7 (Highly Recommend) Tempted to go 8. This delicious. Comment with your sotol recommendations!

Corina, "Love this. I would drink this all summer. You should stash some."

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Reveal: Almamezcalera Sotolito - 50%

Post Reveal: Sotol by Ventura Gallegos from Durango, Mexico bottled by Erick Rodriguez. Hooked. We both need more sotol in our life.

Archived Scores

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Rating System

10 - Reevaluate The Budget

9 - Stash Two (If Able)

8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)

7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers

6 - Solid - Above Average

5 - Acceptable For The Situation

4 - Not Vocally Complaining

3 - Wish I Was Drinking Something Else

2 - Nothing Nice To Say

1 - Drain Pour