Sombra Reposé

Verdict

Barrel-aged mezcal has to clear two hurdles – the wood has to add something, and it has to add it without subtracting the agave. Sombra Reposé clears the first and fails the second. Bordeaux wine casks contribute a pleasant red-fruit edge and then quietly erase the espadín. Pass. Reach for their Ensamble for what this money could have bought.

Tasting notes

Nose: Red fruit walks in first. Then oak, vanilla, a residual smoke

Palate: 45% and Bordeaux barrel aging turn this into a soft, fruit-forward drink that has less and less to do with Oaxaca the longer you hold it in your mouth

Finish: Fruity, sweet – medium

The bottom line

Pass. The barrel wins and that's the loss

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 4 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

• Saratoga Wine
• Keg N Bottle – $59.99
• Total Wine
• Old Town Tequila