Review #: 137
Description: Mezonte Hildegardo “Japo” Joya Raicilla
Spirit: Mezcal
Background: Hildegardo “Japo” Joya raicilla, bottled by Mezonte, a well-known independent bottler and educational/cultural organization based in Guadalajara. From Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, on the coast not far from Puerto Vallarta. Made with a local variety of Agave rhodacantha called “amarillo.” Cooked in underground earth oven, mashed by hand with wooden mallets, fermented with spring water, distilled in a “filipino”-style internal-condensation still made from a copper “cazo” (shallow pot) bottom with a top condensation chamber of tropical parota wood. 400 liters, 2018, batch 1 (this is a larger export batch). 47% alcohol. The term “raicilla” refers to a certain subset of mezcal produced in Jalisco, near the coast.
Reviews #135 – #140 were done as a tasting set with Eli’s Mezcal Room in NYC. The samples were provided from their collection so some information isn’t fully known. Some were special bottles unavailable commercially. The above information is what was provided after the tasting. Currently there are running online tastings so if you want to learn more about mezcal or you are in NYC when the world returns to normal, check them out!
Distillery – Hildegardo “Japo” Joya
Bottler – Mezonte
Brand – Raicilla
Selection – N/A
ABV – 47%
Age – Unaged
Nose – Buttered popcorn, lime, spearmint, sandalwood
Taste – Savory, umami, very oily, sweet bbq sauce
Finish – Warm and peppery with lots of baking spices
Score: 7
Would I buy a bottle? Yes
Thoughts: Another great variety of flavors going on here and great mouth feel. Sweet and savory this hits so many good notes and is just a great experience from beginning to end.