Los Danzantes (Los Nahuales) Anejo

Verdict

Aged mezcal is the category's most frequently botched format, the wood is usually louder than the agave and the producer usually thought that was an asset. Los Nahuales' añejo is the argument for the format done correctly: the oak sits as seasoning, not mask, and the 46% keeps the espadín audible underneath. Compare it to Los Danzantes' own aged work for a similar discipline from the same house.

Tasting notes

Nose: Warm oak, then dark honey, cooked fruit, a dusty vanilla

Palate: The añejo treatment adds integrated weight rather than decorative wood, at 46% the espadín carries the barrel instead of being carried by it. Los Nahuales' rest discipline is audible

Finish: Oak-warm, agave-true, long

The bottom line

A proper añejo espadín. Don't skip aged mezcal because bad ones exist

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 2 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

• K&L Wines
• Old Town Tequila