Reviews / Susto Mezcal Joven

Review · · by The Editors

Susto Mezcal Joven

Fear nothing but the absence of taste – the brand meant it

Score: 3.5/5 agaves

Susto Mezcal Joven bottle
  • Producer: Susto Mezcal
  • Maestro: Crispín Pérez
  • Region: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Espadin
  • ABV: 42%
  • Price: $40 ($)

Verdict

Susto's marketing line, fear nothing but the absence of taste – sounds like ad copy and delivers on it. At 42% there's a ceiling on what the bottle can do, but Crispín Pérez's work in San Dionisio Ocotepec gives this more fruit-and-mineral character than most commercial jovens at the tier. A better Paloma mezcal than most of its shelfmates.

A joven that doesn't pretend to be more than a pleasant joven

Tasting notes

Nose: Sweet agave, then vanilla, tropical fruit, a mineral top

Palate: 42% carries a round, fruit-forward profile – Crispín Pérez's espadín shows in the mid-palate sweetness and the clean stone finish, even if the proof keeps the structure from pushing

Finish: Medium, fruity, clean

The bottom line

A friendly joven. Better in a Paloma than most at the price

Where to buy online

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