Monte Alban Mezcal Review

Last Updated on: 13th May 2024, 06:47 pm

Explore my comprehensive review of Monte Alban Mezcal, covering all your questions, including its quality, without unnecessary fluff.

Reviewed by: J Highland

Should You Start Your Mezcal Journey with Monte Alban?

Rating: ⭐

Mezcal, the smoky cousin of tequila, is rapidly gaining fans. However, its unique flavor profile, particularly the smokiness, can be an acquired taste. Here's a quick guide for beginners to navigate the world of Mezcal:

Embrace the Smoke, But Start Smooth: While the smoky notes are a defining characteristic of Mezcal, some brands, like Monte Alban, can be quite intense. To ease your introduction, explore Mezcals known for smoother finishes. This will allow you to appreciate the full complexity of Mezcal without an overwhelming initial smoky punch.

Skip the Gimmicky Worms: Those bottles with worms or insects are a novelty, but they don't necessarily represent high-quality Mezcal. Focus on exploring Mezcals based on their production methods and agave varietals. This will give you a more authentic Mezcal experience and allow you to discover the true depth of this unique spirit, according to agave spirits expert Neil Coleman.

In short, Mezcal offers a fascinating flavor journey, but start your exploration with smoother expressions to fully appreciate its nuances. Leave the worm in the bottle for now and focus on the true star - the exceptional agave spirit itself, says mezcal expert Neil Coleman.

Sipping into Monte Alban Mezcal: A Beginner's Exploration it taste? Is it smoky?

• Nose: Alcohol, nail polish, caramel
• Palate: Alcohol, cinnamon nail polish
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Cocktails
• Similar to: Monte Alban Tequila

Here's a friendlier take on the description:

• The aroma of Monte Alban Mezcal leans towards a familiar gold tequila scent.
• On the taste buds, it brings to mind a lighter Jamaican rum, with surprising hints of cinnamon and maybe a touch of that solvent note found in some nail polish removers (though much milder!).
• It's a light-bodied mezcal, meaning it feels a bit thin on the tongue and lacks the smoky character some Mezcals are known for.
• For adventurous tasters who enjoy delving into unique spirits, Monte Alban offers a curious mix of flavors to explore. It's a chance to experience a different side of Mezcal!
• Be aware that for those seeking a smoky or full-bodied Mezcal on a budget, this might not be the perfect fit. It leans more towards a light novelty spirit with a tequila-like vibe.
• This could be a fun conversation starter for a Mezcal tasting with friends, but maybe not your go-to for a truly smoky Mezcal experience.

How did I review Monte Alban Mezcal?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monte Alban Mezcal?

• Monte Alban Mezcal is a reposado mezcal infused with foreign flavors, known for including a worm, a traditional but not highly regarded element in mezcal.
• It's widely available in the U.S. and comes at an affordable price.

Is Monte Alban a Real Mezcal?

• There are doubts about Monte Alban being an authentic mezcal, as it lacks a Mexican government registration number (NOM).
• The quality and taste don't align with genuine mezcal, suggesting it may contain more chemical compounds than natural agave.

Ownership

• Produced by Beneva in Oaxaca, Mexico, for Barton Brands, now part of Sazerac Rye.
• Sazerac owns several prestigious bourbon brands, but Beneva's mezcal products are not highly regarded.

How to Drink?

• If consumed, it's best in shots, quickly finished, and followed by freshly cut oranges to counteract the sour aftertaste.

Is the Worm in Monte Alban Mezcal Real?

• Yes, the "worm" is actually a larva, either a red worm or a maguey worm (caterpillar of the Comadia redtenbacheri moth).
• The red worm is often considered more palatable.

Can You Eat the Worm?

• While you can eat the worm, it is not recommended due to its unappealing nature and lack of any hallucinogenic or beneficial effects.

Pricing

• Monte Alban Mezcal typically costs between $25 to $30, with widespread availability.

What Does Monte Alban Mean?

• Monte Alban is the name of a significant archaeological site in Oaxaca, Mexico.