Review: Mezcal El Silencio Espadin

This was the first line extension of Mezcal El Silencio after its original Ensamble launch, this one made in San Baltazar, Oaxaca exclusively from espadin agave. The black bottle is inspired by Oaxaca’s barro negro pottery and is certainly striking on the shelf.

Let’s give it a whirl.

Mezcal El Silencio Espadin Review

Designed to be softer and less overtly smoky, this expression of El Silencio is true to its claims, more subtle on the nose than many modern mezcal expressions but certainly still part of the mezcal family, featuring notes of browning grass and creosote backed by a mix of dried herbs and hints of dark chocolate.

While the nose is quite savory, the palate finds a little sweetness, that chocolate emerging as touched with brown sugar and honey, some notes of cherry juice working their way into the mix. The spirit evolves in glass to reveal some of the salinity featured in the Ensamble release, particularly on the surprisingly lengthy finish. A spritz of lemon peel brightens up the outro, some sweetened mint syrup lingering on the conclusion.

It’s definitely a step up from the Ensamble and — good news — a significant price cut makes it much more appealing in its competitive space.

86 proof. NOM-AMMA78. Reviewed: Lot #001-25AM.

B+ / $38

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