We last encountered Zignum’s mezcal earlier this year in its reposado incarnation. Now the brand is back, this time with an anejo version.

Made from green agave and aged more than a year, this is mezcal with much of the smokiness aged right out of it. You’ll find lots of exotic, tropical, and caramel notes on the nose — and no smokiness to speak of — enough to make you think this is standard tequila, not mezcal at all.

Similar notes can be found on the body: Marshmallows and caramel, then a bounty of pineapple and baking spices, with ample cinnamon and rum raisin notes. The finish cues you in that you’re drinking mezcal, but barely: The smokiness takes on more of an unlit cigar/humidor character than anything distinctly smoky.

Exotic and difficult to fully process, this is “starter mezcal” if ever there was one. Not that that’s a bad thing. If you’re a tequila fan looking to dip a toe into mezcal, this is a great place to start.

80 proof.

A- / $50 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]

Zignum Anejo Mezcal

$50

9

Rating

9.0/10

BUY IT NOW