Reviews / Mezcalero No. 17

Review · · by The Editors

Mezcalero No. 17

Cirilo Hernandez with espadín and lumbre – the quiet wild

Score: 4.0/5 agaves

Mezcalero No. 17 bottle
  • Producer: Mezcalero Mezcal
  • Maestro: Cirilo Hernandez
  • Region: San Baltazar Guélavila, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Espadin, Lumbre
  • ABV: 48%
  • Price: $70 ($)

Verdict

Mezcalero No. 17 is the kind of release the series exists for – an unusual agave (lumbre) blended into a structured espadín base, bottled under a named maestro at a serious proof. Cirilo Hernandez delivers a bottle that would be a highlight in any Real Minero or Lalocura flight.

Lumbre doesn't show up on many labels. Cirilo Hernandez puts it to work

Tasting notes

Nose: Toasted cane, wet bark, a thin herbal smoke

Palate: 48% with lumbre (a less-common agave) adding a green, almost medicinal edge to a solid espadín base – more interesting than a straight espadín without becoming weird

Finish: Herbal, clean

The bottom line

Worth chasing. Lumbre in capable hands is a category addition

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

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