Reviews / Mala Idea Anejo
Review · · by The Editors
Mala Idea Anejo
An añejo espadín – every reason to say no
Score: 2.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Mala Idea Mezcal
- Maestro: Celestino Sernas
- Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca
- Agave: Espadin
- ABV: 43%
- Price: $70 ($)
Verdict
Añejo mezcal is the wood-aged category where most bottles lose the plot, the whole point of mezcal is the agave's voice, and barrel tannin obliterates it. Celestino Sernas's añejo espadín at 43% is a competently made barrel-aged spirit that happens to start as mezcal. Pass and reach for any joven from any producer you trust.
Añejo mezcal – a category that rarely justifies itself
Tasting notes
Nose: Oak up front. Vanilla, soft cooked agave, caramel, faint smoke underneath
Palate: 43% of wood-rested espadín, the barrel asserts itself over the agave, the mezcal ends up tasting like a lightly smoky whisky
Finish: Sweet, woody
The bottom line
A skip. If you want wood, drink whisky
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.
- Total Wine – $73