Xicala Mezcal has been available on the market for a while, but it surely’s lately expanded its line past a joven, including a reposado and anejo to its repertoire. All three are made with conventional strategies at Tlacolula Distillery in Oaxaca from 100% espadin agave, however the barrel routine on the 2 aged mezcals is the place issues take a little bit of a plot twist. We acquired the complete lineup for evaluate. Let’s dive in.
NOM 001X.
Xicala Mezcal Joven – Unaged. Very candy nostril, heavy with notes of grilled pineapple and barbecue sauce, folding in some smoke to tame the preliminary sugar rush. Surprisingly mild on the palate: Once more fairly tropical and sugary, virtually caramel-like at instances, with rising notes of pepper and wooden smoke, well-integrated into the expertise. Plenty of combined fruit right here — citrus, some apricot, crimson apple — then a reprise of campfire smoke. Enduring sweetness on the end — once I was able to see if fade out. 86 proof. A- / $36
Xicala Mezcal Reposado – Aged 3 months in American oak and French Cognac barrels. The sweetness is tamed on this expression, however the fruit is simply as expansive, right here veering extra towards caramel-drizzled applesauce and, unusually, a barely stronger smokiness on the nostril than within the Joven. Comfortable on the palate, the palate veers into notes of maple syrup, rum raisin, and a thick layer of baking spice. It’s comes on a bit thick at instances, with raisin enduring effectively into the reasonably smoked end. A bit inexperienced right here and there, with sesame oil notes lingering. Much less punchy than the Joven, for higher or worse. Notice the decrease proof on the aged expressions. 80 proof. B+ / $50
Xicala Mezcal Anejo – Aged 12 months in American oak and French Cognac barrels. Issues mood properly with an additional 9 months in barrel, making this arguably my favourite mezcal within the lineup. Once more fairly gentle on the nostril, right here the smoke and fruit discover themselves in steadiness, with a stronger herbaceous aroma evident than in both of the opposite expressions. Pepper, inexperienced herbs, and spice all hit early on the palate, tempered with a few of that candy almond and raisin combine, evoking a mulled Christmas wine word. Smoke hits final, although it’s nonetheless clearly within the image, with notes of vanilla and milk chocolate on the again finish. Smoldering and peppery notes cling to the again finish for a while. 80 proof. A- / $60
Xicala Mezcal Anejo
$60
About Submit Writer
