Alipus San Juan Oaxaca Mezcal

Made by the same palanquero as Los Nahuales (as it is known here in the U.S. – it goes by Los Danzantes in Mexico), Don Joel Antonio Cruz y familia, the San Juan del Rio Alipús is made from 100% Espadín. Per the tasting notes from Craft Distillers it was fermented in oak vats and is the fruit of non-irrigated Espadín “grown in sunny mountain-top plantings in ferriferous soil at 4,600 feet.” They describe it as “Fruity, rich, smokey, pleasantly sweet.” In our tasting we found a full agave nose with a slight sweetness and light smoke notes. It was smooth on the tongue and displayed an even alcohol note. The palate reveals even more smoke which is the dominant impression left after a swallow. This is definitely the smokiest Alipús which should appeal to scotch drinkers who appreciate some peat.