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.
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.
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."
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.
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