Mono de Calenda Cucharillo, Reserva del Maestro

Enjoyed neat, courtesy of a friend who brought this mini from Oaxaca. The nose is intensely earthy, with hints of agave, vanilla, mint, green apple, and wood – specifically, the scent of twigs or a dog's chew toy, not fresh barrel wood. The palate is typical mezcal, then upon reading a review mentioning rubber, I can now detect it and it lingers. It was on track for a higher score for sure.

The nose has notes of mint, earth, petrichor, citrus, apple, charred wood, grape, and Teddy Grahams. The palate features char, minerals, rubber, wood, apple, and agave. A long, medium-hot finish.