Mezcal, Mexico / Oaxaca
Created in 1996, the Santo Domingo Albarradas mezcal is produced in the village of the same name, a small hamlet located in the Mixe region, an area south of Oaxaca where the climate strongly resembles that of Hawaii. Very “Del Maguey” in his mind, he actually goes off the beaten track to impose his personality which is quite far away most of the time from the classic standards in terms of mezcal. Let aficionados be reassured, aftertaste and finish, citrus, pepper and salt have resumed their dominating places.
TASTING NOTE
Color: Colorless.
Nose: Fresh, original. The nose immediately sets the stage for the star anise and cumin. Only notes of salt suggest for the moment a mezcal. Once these moments of surprise have passed, agave milk restores the order of things. Then, just arrived, some green liquorice disappears to make way for limes and yellow lemons. The whole shows a lot of dynamism.
Palate: Full, fine. In turn, it sows confusion by first coating unusual notes of mustard seed and mint. Even more, the aniseed mid-palate sees gentian roots appear on the horizon. Its bitterness is particularly salivating. The ingredients inherent in mezcal, i.e. salt, pepper and citrus fruits only reach the finish.
Finish: Long, rich. This time, no doubt possible, we are enjoying an excellent mezcal. Candied lemons and sweet oranges rub shoulders with notes of green apple and fleur de sel. The retro olfaction is chocolate and floral (agave flower). The empty, milky and herbaceous (tobacco) glass also reveals artichoke base notes.