Creador Ensamble con Cacao

Verdict

Cacao-flavored mezcal works when the cacao rides on the mezcal instead of replacing it, and Creador's distillation-with-cacao (not post-distillation infusion) is the technique that keeps the ratio right. The espadín-lumbre base carries structural weight; the cacao adds dimension without demanding it. A flavored bottle that respects the base – buy it for the format done correctly.

Tasting notes

Nose: Cacao, then warm earth, cooked agave and a faint spice high note

Palate: Savory, cacao adds a background note rather than dominating the composition, which is the harder version of the format to pull off

Finish: Warm, slightly sweet, with a slow cacao fade

The bottom line

Niche but worth it