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Review #: 116
Description: Maguey Melate Arroqueno
Spirit: Mezcal
Background: My first mezcal (but definitely not my last)! Here we have a sample from a Maguey Melate bottling made from Arroqueno Maguey, grown for about 12-15 years. It was shredded and then distilled in a copper pot still. Most of my agave experience comes from my college years so this is a bit of a step outside of my comfort zone but let’s go anyway.
Distillery – Semel Garcia Ramos
Bottler – Maguey Melate
Brand – Maguey Melate
Selection – N/A
ABV – 47.8%
Age – Unaged
Nose – Pickle juice, cold ashes, jalapenos
Taste – Creamy, light vanilla, tempered sweetness, some brine
Finish – Mineral, roasted pepper but also some bright, fresh hot pepper. Lasts fairly long
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? Probably
Thoughts: My first mezcal review (with many more on the horizon) so take it a little bit with a grain of salt as I get my bearings with understanding the spirit more. It’s definitely quite the transition from rum and whisky, but I did really enjoy it. I got a lot of vegetal and green notes but in a different way than say, a peaty scotch. It’s more refreshing and adds a new layer of complexity for me to dive into. I’m excited to get into this world!