There's been a surprising consensus on the first two samples . Pour one, Mystery "C", was a mutually good fit - liked by all three of us. Our second pour, Mystery M, got a hard pass from all three of us. We're due for a difference in opinion.
Notes were messaged to Don for the reveal.
NOSE
Kris: Takes time to open up. Layered and complex when it does. Pine. Cinnamon. Honey. Granny Smith apples. Vicks VapoRub.
Corina: Wet ink. Moss. Stale vending machine gumballs. Generic fabric soften. Fresh peppers. New rubber shoes.
I like this a little more.
FLAVOR
Kris: Pine needles. Jalapeno. Big cinnamon. Honey. Spiced pear.
Corina: Rubber. Grassy. Marshmallow. Anise/licorice.
The black licorice note killed it for Corina and it played hot. I like this a lot better.
Palate Structure: Front loaded with big action. Second wave around the cinnamon note. Mellows into a softer, fruitier finish.
Alcohol Integration: Not an easy ride. But never steers unpleasant. Corina disagrees.
Score: 6 (Solid) Enjoyable. But with so much good mezcal sitting on the shelves, I'd probably roll the dice on something new.
Corina was good with her single pour, "One and done."
Guess: Mezcal
100 proof. Espadin (the pine-y/grassy notes prominent on both the nose and palate lead me here).
Reveal: Mezcal Almamezcalera - Apolonio Ramirez Cruz - Tobaxiche (2018) - Oaxaca - 58%
Post Reveal Thoughts: Would've never guessed the ABV was this high. Corina pegged it much higher than I did. The finish really cleaned up that initial heat. All the proof hit up front in two big waves. Makes sense why the nose seemed closed off at first (higher ABV).
This style is difficult for me - reads choppy. The lighter body keeps everything moving too quickly for me and the connective tissue is missing, leaving things slightly unbalanced and disjointed.
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