Notes: This mezcal is produced in Oaxaca, the traditional area for mezcal. But unlike many others is produced by a isolated native group that is distinct from every other in Mexico in language,culture and beliefs. The Mijes resisted both Aztecs and Spaniards successfully and maintain their cultural identity to this day. Made in traditional manner (and same as the ones they use in their religious ceremonies).

This is the slightly aged version/expression of this particular mezcal line – all of which are bottling’s of 100% agave.The other versions of these are the Mijes Joven and Mijes Anejo .They also import numerous other mezcals that we have reviewed (see our reviews of the Scorpion Silver, Scorpion Reposado, Scorpion Anejo One Star, Scorpion Anejo Three Star, Scorpion Anejo Five Star,and their super premium Scorpion Anejo Seven Star, plus Tehuana Silver, Tehuana Anejo, Don Juan Escobar Resposado, Mistico Silver).

Appearance: Very pale yellow like a gun oil, molten glass in the bottle – It is a beautiful thing. On swirling, it leaves a very light coating on the glass which belies its viscosity sitting in the glass again it reminds me more of a very light oil than a alcohol which is a testament to its quality. Quite a striking contrast to most clear spirits such as vodka with a scalloped edge (meniscus) forming followed by long graceful legs.

First Impression: Lovely mellow mesquite smoke is tempered by wood notes, although a deep inhalation yields a terpene type smell – smoky, phenolic, some savory mixed with lime, citrus.

Taste: Smoky, phenolic, seaweed mixed with lime salt and savory. Islay single malt scotch aficionados would love this stuff. Very earthy and salty- woody notes at first, then intense mineral salts with citrus at the end. Much more balanced and sweeter than many of the other smokier mezcals.

Drinks: Despite our best efforts I found only one mezcal cocktail (in Gary and Mardee Regans New Classic Cocktails) Check out our mezcal recipe section for some of our ideas.

Cigars: A good spicy natural wrapper for this one.

Bottle: Simple handblown bottle somewhat oval with a flared bottom with spout at 10 o’clock . Slightly green color to it and green sealing wax. Label and bottle give it a somewhat antique or low tech feel to it, but shows the mezcal in it to good effect. Wax and cork seal is a major pain in the ass to open first time (cork too short to get good grip on). Otherwise nice presentation. Unlike a host of others, no larvae or arachnids in it either unlike most others. Just good Mezcal.

Final Thoughts: More subtle and complex than the Joven version – a challenge to drink. This one will put hair on your chest! A downside is it is not as striking in the flavors more subtle yes, but does not have the full on smokiness (which depending on your taste is a plus or minus). Good bit cheaper than some other high quality mezcals. Complex not overly smoky, multilayered and seductive. A good choice as a gateway or starter mezcal.

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.