I picked up a bottle of Scorpion Anejo Mezcal. It was lot 50, bottle number 198 from NOM 019X from Oaxaca. It's an interesting package complete with an actual scorpion in the bottle. In my opinion, the scorpion thing is a bit creepy. At just over $40 a bottle, it won't break the bank.
Some Mezcals that I've had are super smoky and overwhelmingly spicy. Scorpion has a good amount of spice to it laced with just the right amount of smoke and oak. The nose is powerful. Hints of charred oak, charcoal, rich caramel, aleppo pepper, and smoked paprika waft from the glass. On the palate, it's first impression is of elegance. Then it transforms to smoked spices, butterscotch, toffee, cinnamon, vanilla bean and earth tones. The finish is long and drawn out reminiscent of a fine scotch from Islay. The campfire smokiness lingers a lot longer than any of the other flavors. It makes me want to find a nice cigar and fire it up.
Overall, I enjoy this Mezcal. Would I buy it again? Yes. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes. I have and will continue to do so. I guess what makes this bottle so appealing is the fact that it's not overpowering. It's very complex and it really makes you think about every sip.
Will I ever eat that scorpion, you ask? No. Not ever.
-H. DeP
