Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 01:15 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
This post answers all your questions about El Silencio Mezcal with in-depth reviews.
Written by: J Highland
Key Takeaways
- Varieties: El Silencio offers Espadin and Ensamble mezcals. Espadin is a smooth, low-proof mezcal with smoky notes, suitable for cocktails but not ideal for sipping. Ensamble, combining espadin, mexicano, and tobaziche agaves, offers a richer experience with notes of white pepper, jasmine, fennel, spice, and tobacco, surpassing Espadin in sipping quality.
- Overall Quality: El Silencio is described as “just OK,” being more suited for cocktails rather than neat or on the rocks drinking. While drinkable, it may not satisfy serious mezcal aficionados seeking a profound experience.
- Pricing: El Silencio's price is somewhat attractive, with Espadin priced at $33 and Ensamble at $66, making it accessible for casual mezcal drinkers or those looking to use it in cocktails.
- Consumption Recommendations: El Silencio is best used in cocktails, where its flavor profile can be appreciated without expecting the depth and complexity required for sipping neat.
- Absence of Worms: El Silencio does not include worms in its mezcal, aligning with high-quality standards where the presence of worms is not typical and often considered a sign of lower quality, targeted towards tourists.
- Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions from Neil Coleman, and online research, focusing on aroma, taste, finish, and value.
El Silencio Espadin
El Silencio Espadin is a smooth, low-proof Mezcal with smoky notes and a slight bitter finish, housed in an elegant black glass bottle resembling Oaxacan pottery.
It lacks complexity but offers a pleasant cream cheese aroma.
The flavor includes sweetness, light smoke, and faint fruitiness, making it suitable for cocktails.
While not ideal for sipping, it's crafted from 100% agave espadin, ensuring an authentic mezcal experience, catering to high-end mixology.
El Silencio Ensamble
While ensamble Mezcal typically combines agaves, El Silencio Ensamble differs by cooking and distilling each agave separately, making it more of a blend.
It combines espadin, mexicano, and tobaziche agaves, offering a smooth, flavorful experience with white pepper, jasmine, fennel, spice, and tobacco notes.
It surpasses Espadin for sipping and excels in cocktails, offering versatility for various creations.
Related: Top Sipping Mezcals
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Drink
- It's best utilized in cocktails, where its flavor can complement other ingredients. For those looking to enjoy mezcal neat, exploring other brands might yield a more satisfying experience.
Does El Silencio Mezcal contain a worm?
- No, El Silencio does not include a worm in its bottles. The worm is typically associated with lower-quality mezcals and is not indicative of superior taste or craftsmanship.
Recommended Cocktails
- Mango Margarita and Manhattan are two cocktails that can be easily prepared with El Silencio. These recipes highlight the mezcal's versatility without needing advanced mixology skills.
Ownership
- El Silencio is owned by Vicente Cisneros and Fausto Zapata. In 2019, Constellation Brands acquired an undisclosed equity stake in the company.