Sombra Sombra Mezcal NV 750ml

This smoky mezcal is reminiscent of peated Scotch. It opens with fleeting vanilla-almond sweetness and quickly accelerates into a smoky midpalate, finishing with menthol, black pepper and an earthy hint of dark chocolate. Sip or mix.

A reformulated edition from the original. Pristine and clear. Rubber band, rubber tire, Rubber Soul, rubber pencil eraser run all the way to the top of this initial inhalation; more time in the glass allows for supplementary spiciness and road tar scents, but the rubber aspect is king in bouquet. Entry is intensely tobacco-like and smoky, but also sports a sublime sweetness that's creamy and oily; midpalate is drier than the sweetish entry and much more peppery and spirity as the rubberiness slowly fades in favor of the oakiness, creosote and cigarette smoke. Love it.

With some recent changes in the production process, this mezcal from Master Sommelier Richard Betts and Charles Bieler (three Thieves/Rebel Wine Co.) is better than ever. Sourcing from high elevations means more ripeness in the agave; switching out mesquite for oak means less smoky flavor. the result is a mescal with the same deliciously roasty smoke and caramel-edged fruit flavors that have always made this a great value, but with more refinement and class.

Very pure with a mineral quality possessing some nice citrus (lime zest) character. Incredibly light and delicate with a smooth, dry finish.