Beforehand we introduced you a take a look at the six indie-bottled whiskies in version three of the ImpEx Assortment — now we’re carrying on with the bottler’s first foray into mezcal. The road includes 4 completely different expressions from two distillers, utilizing 4 completely different subspecies of agave.
Let’s get into it.
The ImpEx Assortment Mezcal Felipe Cortes, Bicuixe – From a pressure of A. Karwinskii, distilled in a pot nonetheless in 2015 and rested in glass for 7 years. Nice fruit on the nostril right here, banana and peach, with a smattering of coal mud on prime. The smoke is delicate however superbly built-in on the creamy, fruity, nearly tropical palate, studded with vanilla and having fun with a peppery kick on the end. Very evenhanded in relation to smokiness (that resting time might have achieved fairly a bit right here), that is excellent and balanced, a pleasant little journey in a glass. 98.8 proof. A / $160
The ImpEx Assortment Mezcal Victor Ramos, Coyote Verde – A mixture of A. Potatorum and A. Karwinskii agave. Distilled in a pot nonetheless in 2021, rested in glass for one yr. Sharper, smokier, with a spiced caramel word on the nostril that feels distinctly Latin, nearly candylike with a Tajin dusting. It’s extra savory on the palate as effectively, with notes of succulents and inexperienced bell pepper mingling with apple and inexperienced banana notes. Reasonably aggressive all through, with a lingering whiff of paint thinner on the end. 101.84 proof. B+ / $140
The ImpEx Assortment Mezcal Felipe Cortes, Madrecuixe – One other pressure of A. Karwinskii, distilled in 2017 and rested in glass for five years. Fairly a little bit of acetone character on the nostril, with overtones of soot and overripe fruit. Issues miraculously perk up rapidly on the palate, the fruit settling right into a smoky groove that options applesauce and spiced pears, and a barely earthier high quality that I can finest describe as spice-dusted jicama. Chewy physique, with a reasonably smoky, lingering end. 98 proof. B+ / $145
The ImpEx Assortment Mezcal Victor Ramos, Tobalá Capón – From a pressure of A. Potatorum, distilled in 2021, aged in glass for a yr. Subdued on the nostril, with grounded components of turned earth, white pepper, and contemporary agave. There’s a sizzling, fruitwood smoke right here, and the palate showcases cinnamon apple, vibrant tangerine, banana, and combined greenery. Soothing on the end, with inexperienced agave punchier than anticipated. As with the Bicuixe expression, this one takes you on a enjoyable little journey from savory to candy and again once more, touched with smoke all through. 96.6 proof. A- / $140
The ImpEx Assortment Mezcal Felipe Cortes, Bicuixe
$160
