Notes: This mezcal is produced in Oaxaca, the traditional area in Mexico for mezcal. This is the youngest expression of this particular mezcal line – all of which are single barrel bottlings of 100% agave. They also import numerous other mezcals that we will be reviewing (see our reviews of the Embajdor Silver, Scorpion Silver, Scorpion Reposado, Scorpion Anejo One Star, Scorpion Anejo Three Star).

Appearance: Clear as molten glass in the bottle but a few small bits (agave fiber probably) at least it lets us know this hasn’t been filtered to death – it is a beautiful thing. On swirling it leaves a very light coating on the glass but thinner than some of the other mezcals we have tried recently.

First Impression: Discreet smoke, some savory, lime, dry, lighter and more approachable than some of the others.The alcohol scent is quite subdued in this one, especially for a silver.

Taste: Smoke, savory herbs, lime and salty a pronounced pepperiness on the finish (which is medium length0. A nice alcohol taste, with slow burn and warmth lets you know you are drinking but doesn’t abuse you. It’s quite smooth, delicate, and easy-to-drink. This is a great gateway or starter mezcal for people starting to explore mezcal. Single malt scotch enthusiasts would find it quite nice also.

Drinks: Despite my best efforts I found only one mezcal cocktail (in Gary and Mardee Regan’s New Classic Cocktails), I think however that there are some definite possibilities for substituting this for scotch in some cocktails to create a whole new family of mixed drinks.

Cigars: A nice full-bodied cigar would accompany this well.

Bottle: Simple handbell shaped clear glass bottle (similar to a cognac bottle such as Courvosier) or some types of brandy bottle. Understated label and bottle but shows the mezcal in it to good effect. It has one of those South-American-type pourers in the neck which you usually don’t see up north. A little hard to use for first timers, but keeps you from easily overpouring and allows you a minimum of spillage if you are having that kind of evening and the reflexes aren’t as fast as they were a few hours ago. Same applies to the bottle – when you get past the half way point and you knock it over you won’t lose nearly as much as you can with a skinny cylinderical bottle.

No larvae or arachnids in it either unlike most others. Just good Mezcal!

Final Thoughts: Damn fine stuff! Forget the tequila, drink this instead! A delicate expression of a mezcal (never thought there was such a thing personally) and a real eye opener for either the confirmed tequila drinker or first timer of south of the border drinks. It gives serious competition to the much more expensive mezcals out there. Also given the price (about half as expensive), this is a much more marketable product that consumers could try to develop their tastes in mezcal before going on to the more expensive brands.

Website: http://www.scorpionmezcal.com/

Fast loading with a display of all the Mezcals they import (more than twelve!).
Basic information and pictures of each one, with reviews and ratings by different people and organizations. Rather basic, but functional. They spent the money on what is inside the bottle, and not slick web page programming. However, it could use some recipe ideas, food pairings, etc.