San Cosme Joven, 40%, Mezcal

A few years ago I happened to be in Gothenburg.

We were visiting friends.

An evenings meal was arranged in the popular area of Haga where many bars & restaurants abound.

San Cosme c/oMasterOfMalt

Looking for something different to drink a San Cosme Mezcal was on the menu.

Being a Joven it was clear in colour – yet rich in flavour.

Still to encounter a Mezcal in any Irish restaurant I’ve visited.

Sláinte

Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado, vs Bambarria Joven, Tequila, 38%

Well my lockdown miniatures have lasted well – these are the final two tequila.

The big brand Jose versus an unknown Bambarria.

Neither are 100% Blue Agave – so both can contain permitted additives as laid down by Mexican rules.

Presented at 38% ABV Jose is aged between 2 to 12 months being Reposado – whereas Bambarria – a Joven – is unaged.

So onto the tasting!

Especial c/othewhiskeynut

Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado

A soft pungent agave nose. Very easy on the palate with a lively white pepper kick on the rear.

Bambarria c/othewhiskeynut

Bambarria Joven

Soft agave with just a hint of smoke peeking through. Easy palate developing a signature peppery spice. The long lasting finish left me licking my lips!

Thoughts

Both display classic tequila attributes & are easy drinking.

If anything Bambarria just endeared itself better to my palate with a winning finish that had me sitting out in the Mexican sun!

Well – it’s the nearest thing to travel 2020 has allowed!

Sláinte

Mezcal Amores, Cupreata & Espadín Joven, 41%

The generous folks at Axiom Brands kindly sent out some tasty samples from their eclectic spirits portfolio for me to enjoy.

Having already sampled the delights of Australia’s Starward Whisky here,

And visited the maturing casks of Chapel Gate Whiskey here,

I thought it opportune to explore some of Axiom’s other stars.

An assembly of Axiom Brands spirits. c/othewhiskeynut

Like Mezcal Amores.

I first became acquainted with Mezcal doing a Level 2 Spirits Award at the WSET – Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

Spirited reading c/othewhiskeynut

There is long and proud tradition of spirit production in Mexico that parallels that of whiskey manufacture in Ireland or Scotland. There are rules & regulations to get any spirit geek excited – and it certainly helps I was hooked immediately by the rich & complex flavours contained within the Mezcals I tasted.

Terroir is key to Mezcal.

Geographically protected to certain regions within Mexico & made with varietals of the long lived agave plant, Mezcal is the artisanal based small scale product to the mass produced sister spirit Tequila.

The 2 Mezcal Amores sent showcased the results of 2 different varietals of agave with the same production methods.

Joven in both these expressions means unaged.

With a spirit as pure and unadulterated as Mexcal – no ageing is required.

Espadín Amores – as suggested in the name – is made from the Espadín agave which must be used to make Tequila – but Mezcal can use any variety of agave.

There is no harsh abrasiveness to this spirit.

It gently warms & caresses both the nose & palate with a richness of flavours.

A gentle soft sweetness combined with hints of leather or even tobacco from the roasting used to prepare the agave swirl around in the mouth in a comforting snug.

Lip smackingly enjoyable.

Cupreata Amores was even better!

Made from the Cupreata agave which matures for 8 to 13 years before being harvested. This mezcal possessed  a deeper – even darker – cornucopia of complexity to hook me in even further to the charms of this Mexican spirit.

There was a contrast to the almost muscovado dark sweetness at the start to a warming stewed note at the end.

Wild yeasts are used in fermenting – much like the popular Brett yeasts of craft beer fame – but without the sour tart results – funky perhaps – but not overpowering – just well balanced & enticing.

I had to have more!

No wonder there is a fan club as fanatical as whiskey has for this fabulous spirit.

It’s definitely amore for Mezcal Amores from me!

Cue Dean Martin.

Sláinte