Montelobos Ensamble Joven Mezcal (700ml)
Popular in its homeland, Montelobos Mezcal has ties to William Grant & Sons of Scotch whisky fame. Iván Saldaña, a respected agave academic with a background in molecular plant biology founded the distillery in Santiago Matatlán in 2012. Sourcing organically certified Espadin agaves, Saldaña has paired his talents with Mezcalero, Don Abel Lopez. Both share a passion for artisanal mezcal respecting traditional production methods (roasting agaves in a volcanic stone pit, crushing with a tahona and natural ferments), as well as a concern for sustainability and the quality of life in the communities and families who have produced mezcal for generations.
The brand name translates as "mountain of wolves" and the venture is yet another Mexican operation to have caught the attention of multi-national corporations. In 2019 it was acquired by Campari. The acquisition also included Ancho Reyes chili liqueur. The Ensamble is produced from multiple agave varieties, including Papalote, contributing pink pepper, honey and chamomile notes, with a smokey character derived from Espadin (agave Angustifolia) and dried fruit notes from Tobala. The mezcal comes in an impressive rectangular decanter with a premium-look stopper. 45.3% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Clear color. Aromas of sweet tea, gunpowder, grilled green apple, rubber, bacon, orange peel, and pineapple chutney with a supple, crisp, dry medium body and a warming, interesting, long latex and spiced parsnips finish. A curious and concentrated Blanco Mezcal for celebrating and cocktailing. 94 points - tastings.com
...Montelobos calls its ensamble the “most bold, sharp, and intense” of its expressions, and that’s more or less accurate. The nose hits quickly but not harshly with smoke, and there’s a strong vegetal note, more root vegetable than green. (Radish might be accurate here.) There’s also a strong hint of tea at the end of the nose, leaving the first impression sweeter than the two prior expressions. On the tongue, there’s a stronger smoke character, but also sweetness with caramel and candied citrus peel. The finish is sharp and thick, with both heavy cream and nutmeg, further emphasizing that sweetness on the palate. That same finish, however, vanishes a moment too soon. Enjoyable and just barely too fleeting at the end, the ensamble gives drinkers lots to pick through and dissect. - drinkhacker.com
Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022