Mala Mia Mexcal launched earlier this yr with 4 expressions: Espadín, Ensamble, Cuishe, and Tepeztate. Historically distilled by Saturnino Martínez Méndez within the village of Santiago Matatlán in Oaxaca, the operation makes use of agave aged wherever from 6 to 26 years of age, slicing them down entire. (That is the inspiration for the identify Mala Mia, which roughly interprets to “my dangerous.”)
In the present day we take a look at three of the 4 expressions out there — all however the entry-level Espadin providing. Ideas observe.
No NOM listed.
Mala Mia Mezcal Ensamble – A mix of espadin, cuishe, and tepeztate agave. A nice mixture of candy and smoky on the nostril right here, frivolously briny however in any other case vague with secondary aromatics — one thing of a jack of all trades within the mezcal world. Extra complexity arrives on the palate, which exhibits off the mezcal’s sweeter facet, with parts of vanilla wafers, lemon curd, caramel, and a few milk chocolate within the combine. Surprisingly dessert-like, it comes throughout with a sure marshmallows-round-the-campfire high quality, making for a delightfully completely different after-dinner drink — touched with mint on the end. I like it, however followers of burlier, extra aggressive mezcals could discover this too candy. 84 proof. Reviewed: Lot SMM-ENS2. A- / $80
Mala Mia Mezcal Cuishe – 100% cuishe, or agave karwinskii. A a lot completely different expertise than the Ensamble, that is an aggressively smoky mezcal with sharp overtones on the nostril evoking burnt citrus peel and salty seaside bonfire. Comparable parts on the palate evoke smoked lemon curd braising on a mesquite hearth, with a frivolously vegetal seaweed high quality late within the sport. A vivid pop of orange citrus provides the end a wanted carry, however the entire of the expertise is deeply brooding and laden with that heavy bonfire high quality. 82 proof. Reviewed: Lot SM4C-L7CUIS. B+ / $100
Mala Mia Mezcal Tepetzate – 100% tepetzate, or agave marmorata. This lands someplace between the 2 above expressions: Mildly to reasonably smoky, with extra fruit on the nostril and a restrained beefiness that provides a savory contact. It’s chewy on the palate, thanks partially to a barely greater abv, however with a toasty vanilla wafer high quality that shortly sweetens issues up. Hints of anise work effectively with the cookie dough high quality on the end. Daring however balanced, it’s most likely my favourite expression on this assortment, and it additionally appears like essentially the most versatile — whereas nonetheless packing in loads of smokiness. 90 proof. Reviewed: Lot SMMTXT. A- / $130
Mala Mia Mezcal Tepetzate
$130
