Review: Paquera Mezcal Barril

Review: Paquera Mezcal Barril

Review: Paquera Mezcal Barril

We previously covered one of Paquera‘s three mezcal expressions in 2019. Now we’re back with another look at its 100% Barril agave-based mezcal.

A rather weedy, vegetal mezcal, Paquera’s 100% Barril expression features heavy notes of cooked greenery, turned earth, and underbrush — both on the nose and the palate. There’s a bold sweetness on the tongue — heavy on overripe fruits, some tropical — with all filtered through a considerable amount of smoke. Things become almost saccharine on the too-fruity finish, which feels both candylike and green at the same time. Barril agave appears more complex to work with in mezcal, and sure enough this is just a much less balanced than the Espadin offering. It’s just too wild and scattered for me, but those who appreciate a bolder, more in-your-face style may gravitate to this bottling.

85 proof.

B- / $60 [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]

Paquera Mezcal Barril

$60
7

Rating

7.0/10

A veteran journalist, the author of four books, a published poet, and an award-winning winemaker, Christopher Null has more than 25 years of experience writing about wine and spirits. He founded Drinkhacker in 2007. He also writes regularly about the science of booze for WIRED and is an occasional contributor to ADI's Distiller magazine. He has been a judge for both the American Distilling Institute Judging of Craft Spirits and Whiskies of the World spirits competitions and often works as a consultant, developing formal tasting notes for spirits brands around the world.

3 Comments

  1. Simon on February 13, 2023 at 9:32 pm

    Disagree with this review. The Barril had hints of lemon peel and apple, pretty well balanced. Barril is not for everyone.

  2. Emily Wang on September 9, 2023 at 8:37 am

    I had the espadin and it was possible bottled wrong, tasted expired- slightly sour

    • Juanito Ramirez on October 24, 2023 at 3:56 pm

      Emily is right. I know mezcal and this bottle was unusually pungent



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