ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo
ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo is one of a range of three espadin mezcals from the Oaxaca distillery which has the most award-winning mezcals in the world.
I’ve tasted lots of mezcals and they had always been clear spirits, as that’s the way they’re normally drunk – joven or unaged. But then two non-clear mezcals turned up on the same day – an El Recuerdo Abocado Con Gusano Mezcal, which amongst other things made a fantastic mezcal and tonic, and this, the ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo.
ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo
Agave spirits are growing and growing, especially mezcal, whose slogan could be ‘We’re number two so we try harder’. There’s definitely an increasing awareness of and appreciation for mezcal, which is a good thing. The more people know about mezcal, and that some mezcals can rival whiskies for smokiness, smoothness, and complexity, the better.
Still, the vast majority of mezcals that are made and consumed are young or joven mezcals, with no color as they go nowhere near a barrel. Any spirit gets its color from either the barrel or by artificial means. There are no other options, as freshly-distilled spirits are always clear.
The fact that distillers are now producing and marketing both reposado (rested) and aňejo (aged) mezcals is a sign that the market is maturing, and people are becoming more and more aware of what mezcals have to offer.
Differences between Mezcal and Tequila
Is mezcal stronger than tequila is a question people often ask, which is why I’ve answered it. There are also differences between mezcal and tequila, in terms of where it can be made, and what it can be made from.
Making ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo
The ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo is made from 100% espadin agave, which are then steam-cooked rather than smoked in the traditional way. The regulations governing mezcal stipulate that in order to be called Aňejo, the spirit must be stored in barrels for at least 12 months. The ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo is aged for at least 18 months, however, in a mix of American and French oak barrels with the spirits from the two types of barrel then being blended. It’s bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof).
Tasting ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo
The time in the barrel has turned the mezcal into a beautiful golden colour. On the nose there’s barely a hint of smoke, but there’s a definite vanilla sweetness, rich caramel/toffee aromas, some oakiness, and a dash of spice. It smells intriguing.
Tasting it, it’s more than intriguing – it’s sensational. I love my smoky unaged mezcals, but this is a creature from another planet. We’re more into aged tequila, rum or whisky territory here. It has the creaminess of vanilla, the rich tastes of coffee and chocolate, butterscotch and caramel, some pineapple, a touch of black pepper and cinnamon, and an all-round extraordinary smoothness.
My wife’s been on a bit of a whisky-kick lately and immediately said this was as good as any whisky she’s tasted recently. For me it was more akin to a fine premium rum or an aged tequila. If you’re new to mezcal give this a try, before going on to the smokier stuff.
Buying ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo
You can find out more on the ZIGNUM website, where there’s also a Store Locator. If you live in the UK you can buy it on Amazon. You can also normally find it on Master of Malt, with international shipping, though the last time I looked it was sold out – and I’m not surprised. In the USA you can buy it from Drizly, and it’s stocked by retailers like Total Wine.
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