Scorpion Mezcal One Year Anejo 750ML

Scorpion Mezcal One Year Anejo 750ML is a 100% Espadin agave mezcal aged one year in French oak, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). This single-barrel expression earned Double Gold and Best Agave Distillate honors from Tasting Panel Magazine, along with 89 points from Wine Enthusiast — recognition that places it among seriously regarded aged mezcals from Oaxaca.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico  |  1 Year Añejo  |  Distillery: Scorpion Mezcal SA de CV (NOM-O19X)

Production & Heritage

Scorpion Mezcal SA de CV operates under NOM-O19X in Oaxaca, Mexico's heartland of mezcal production. The One Year Añejo begins with 100% Espadin agave, which is double distilled in copper pot stills before entering French oak barrels of less than 200 liters for a full twelve months of maturation. Each bottle is a single-barrel release, meaning no two barrels yield identical spirit — and every bottle famously contains a real scorpion, a signature that has become the brand's most recognizable calling card. The smaller barrel size accelerates interaction between wood and spirit, drawing deeper color and more pronounced oak influence than larger-format aging would produce in the same timeframe.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with pronounced phenolic smoke reminiscent of freshly opened pipe tobacco. Behind that initial wave, resinous agave sweetness emerges alongside traces of mint and oily richness.

Taste: On entry, the palate finds a compelling tension between dry and sweet — a hallmark of well-aged mezcal. Mid-palate brings layers of leather, lime zest, and woodsmoke, with a resinous mouthfeel that coats the tongue. The French oak contributes a subtle spice structure without overwhelming the Espadin's earthy character.

Finish: The finish is notably smooth for 80 proof, sliding down the throat before leaving a lingering, delicate warmth. Smoky and spicy notes persist, echoing quality tobacco with a gentle fade of mineral and leather.

How to Drink Scorpion Anejo

This is a mezcal built for sipping neat or with a single ice cube to open up the oak-influenced aromatics; the single-barrel complexity rewards unhurried drinking. A Mezcal Old Fashioned showcases the tobacco and leather notes beautifully against demerara syrup and mole bitters. A Mezcal Negroni works well because the smoky depth stands up to Campari's bitterness without losing its identity. A Oaxacan Dead Revival (mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, dry vermouth, and maraschino) highlights the herbal and resinous qualities already present in this añejo.

Best For

• Gifting a mezcal enthusiast who appreciates barrel-aged expressions
• After-dinner sipping alongside a quality cigar
• Adding a conversation-starting bottle to a home bar (the scorpion inside is hard to ignore)
• Comparing aged mezcal against añejo tequila or cognac in a guided tasting flight

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Scorpion Anejo taste like? Scorpion Mezcal One Year Anejo delivers a distinctive blend of smoke, leather, lime, and pipe tobacco with a resinous mouthfeel. The French oak aging adds subtle spice and a dark amber hue while preserving the roasted Espadin agave core.

How does Scorpion Anejo compare to Ilegal Mezcal Añejo? Both are Oaxacan mezcals made from Espadin agave and aged in oak, but Scorpion is a single-barrel release aged specifically in small French oak casks under 200 liters, which tends to yield more pronounced wood influence. Ilegal Añejo uses a blend from multiple barrels and American oak, resulting in a somewhat lighter oak profile.

Is Scorpion Anejo good for sipping neat? Yes — at 40% ABV it is approachable enough for neat sipping, and the one year of French oak aging delivers the kind of layered complexity that rewards slow, contemplative drinking. Wine Enthusiast's 89-point score reflects its quality as a standalone sipper.

Where is Scorpion Anejo made? Scorpion Mezcal One Year Anejo is produced by Scorpion Mezcal SA de CV (NOM-O19X) in Oaxaca, Mexico, the state that produces the vast majority of the world's mezcal. The Espadin agave is sourced locally and double distilled in copper on site.

What foods pair well with Scorpion Anejo? Smoked brisket or barbacoa complement the spirit's smoky backbone. Dark chocolate with high cacao content mirrors its dry sweetness and resinous texture. Oaxacan mole negro echoes the earthy complexity of the Espadin agave. Aged Manchego or Gouda cheeses match the oak-driven richness, and grilled stone fruits like peaches provide a bright contrast to the leather and tobacco notes.

What sizes does Scorpion Anejo come in? The standard release is the 750ML bottle, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Scorpion Anejo worth the price? Scorpion Mezcal One Year Anejo positions as a mid-premium aged mezcal, and the combination of single-barrel bottling, French oak aging, Double Gold from Tasting Panel Magazine, and an 89-point Wine Enthusiast score represents strong value at its tier compared to other barrel-aged Oaxacan mezcals.

Why Scorpion Anejo?

Single-barrel mezcals aged in French oak remain relatively uncommon in the category, and Scorpion's use of sub-200-liter barrels intensifies the wood-spirit exchange in just twelve months. The Double Gold and Best Agave Distillate recognition from Tasting Panel Magazine, backed by Wine Enthusiast's 89-point rating, provides third-party validation that goes beyond marketing. The 100% Espadin agave, copper-pot double distillation, and genuine single-barrel bottling give each release a distinct identity — making this an añejo mezcal that earns attention on its own merits rather than relying on the novelty of the scorpion inside the bottle.