I had an opportunity to sample Kelly & Jones’ Notes of Wine Collection (now known as the Reserve Collection) when it was launched in 2012, and I’m not quite sure why I never got around to reviewing it. I liked the concept, which felt very fresh at that moment, and I particularly enjoyed the Riesling and Pinot Grigio blends. In any case, I’ve been following this indie brand’s gradual, well-paced evolution, which now includes a collection inspired by the agave-derived spirit called mezcal.

The Reserve Collection was originally sparked by visits to vineyards and wine-tasting sessions, and the Mezcal Collection explores “a new type of terroir” inspired by work and travel in Mexico. It’s comprised of two fragrances designed to “take you into the agave fields and palenques—local distilleries—of Oaxaca. Each essence captures the aromas of various types of mezcal, and its wide range of tasting notes.” Mezcal Blanca is “a blend of sheer citrus and solar resins,” with notes of peppercorn, palm, sea salt, juniper and star anise. Mezcal Negra is “a blend of smoked woods and mystical spice,” with notes of pine, black lime, guaiac wood, cajeta and clary sage. Both scents can be shared by women and men, and both are a little more abstract than the wine-inflected blends of the Reserve Collection…

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