Cómplice Orígenes 38%

Verdict

38% is not a proof, it's a concession – this bottle exists to clear a price point and the liquid pays the price. Humberto Hernández is better than this assignment. Skip without ceremony; the category has a dozen bottles that do more with an extra four percentage points. Commercial mezcal's saddest habit is on full display.

Tasting notes

Nose: Faint citrus, then light vegetal sweetness, almost nothing

Palate: Watery and apologetic at 38% ABV, engineered to slip past the palate rather than engage it

Finish: Gone

The bottom line

Avoid. 38% ABV is a tell and the tell is correct