Kelly +Jones Mezcal Roja
“Journey into a new type of terroir – the agave fields of Mexico, and the sensorial world of mezcal. This new collection, inspired by the most mysterious, enrapturing spirit, will mesmerize you with a romantic adventure of smoky, woody, and fresh aromas. – Kelly Jones
Agave plants
A little background is in order for those not familiar with or just getting into Mezcal. Mezcal’s appeal comes mostly from the stories the brands tell about the villages and people who distill the spirits. The word “mezcal” translates to “oven-cooked agave” and that should give you a good idea of how the spirit gets made. Since agave plants can be tough to cultivate and can take decades to ripen, most mezcal operations are small by default. This is an artisanal spirit in almost every sense of the concept, which helps explain why it often costs more than tequila.
While smoky is the most common adjective when describing mezcals, don’t get tricked into believing it’s the spirit’s only characteristic. On the contrary, top-shelf mezcals serve up notes of sugar, herbs, salt, fruit, and citrus. That being said, smoke certainly dominates, especially to the uninitiated palates. Mezcal is definitely an acquired taste.
Mezcal country
While driven by tequila (the second-largest spirits category in value, after vodka) mezcal is also seeing impressive growth. While still small at 868,000 cases exported to the U.S. last year, it is up from 57,000 cases in 2012. And, mezcal is seen as an upscale product averaging more than $40 a bottle at retail. Among all spirits, mezcal is second only to single malt Scotch in terms of the highest average price per bottle. Next time when ordering a margarita ask for mezcal instead of tequila. You’re welcome.
It was during Kelly’s former career as a Corporate Planner at Toyota in Mexico that introduced her to Mezcal. It was on a trip to visit the lagoons of Acapulco she found herself on the cliffs of Las Brisas when she met a fellow water-skier who introduced her to a complex, life-changing taste of tepeztate mezcal from a 30-year-old agave.
Kelly + Jones Mezcal Collection
My introduction to Kelly +Jones’s Mezcal Collection was when she presented at Sniffapalooza’s 2022 Fall Ball. I was immediately smitten. As a Senior Contributor at ÇaFleureBon and a Senior Wine Specialist and Wine Consultant, I’m aware of the fragrance brands that mine the spirit world but the caliber of Kelly+ Jones’s Mezcal Collection floored me. Similar in concept to her Notes of Wine Collection the Mezcal Collection is based on the notes of the spirit but it is a quantum leap in Kelly + Jones’s evolution. Kelly Jones launched her initial Mezcal Collection with Mezcal Blanca, Mezcal Negra, and Mezcal Roja. Mezcal Verde followed shortly after with Mezcal Añejo‘s release last year.
Developed in the mountains of Oaxaca they are blended with fifty essential oils and naturals. They are specially created to pair with various varietals of Mezcal. Kelly + Jones Eau de Parfums are all hand-poured and contain a “tequila accord” – a thread of scent containing the rich aromas of the heart of the agave. The label is made of eco-friendly paper – a fully compostable, biodegradable material made of stone, not trees.
Programa Vaca Group
For Kelly, the most beautiful aspect of the story of mezcal is its link to the culture of Oaxaca, and Mexico – the indigenous history of the spirit, the spiritual and religious influences in its creation, and the families working to keep their traditions alive. A portion of every Eau de Parfum sale goes to Programa Vaca. This Mexico-based organization is helping to rebuild the country’s earthquake-affected rural areas with sustainable architecture and natural materials, for long-term, positive human impact.
I asked Kelly what her best-selling scent in the Mezcal Collection is to date and not surprisingly it is Kelly + Jones Mezcal Roja, a blend of Desert Bloom & Warm Minerals. More than anything here, Kelly + Jones Mezcal Roja imparts a form of “terroir” (a sense of place). Terroir comes from the Latin word “terra,” meaning land. And I believe that is what Kelly was striving for. On my skin, Mezcal Roja dances back and forth between the sweet Cacao Blossom and the vetiver which I find less citrusy and more leaning into a smokier, spicier version. The plush Corn Silk gives it that slight creaminess that ties it together. The dry down has a seductive earthiness to it.
Notes: Cacao Blossom, Corn Silk, Vetiver, Ocote Wood, Oak Barrel
Kelly +Jones fragrances can be purchased through her website or through many retailers listed under About – Where to Buy.
Disclaimer: My bottle of was kindly sent to me by Kelly Jones. My opinions are mine and only mine!
Hernando Courtright, Senior Events Contributor and Brand Ambassador
All Photos are courtesy of Kelly + Jones except were credited otherwise and cannot be reproduced without permission.
Kelly+ Jones Mezcal Roja
Thanks to the generosity of Kelly Jones, we have a draw for Kelly + Jones Mezcal Roja Eau de Parfum Spray (1.69 fl oz / 50 ml). We have a USA draw for one registered reader. You must register here. To be eligible please leave a comment on what you enjoyed about Hernando’s review The draw closes on 03/01/2023 and the winner will be announced within 10 days later.
For more on the Mezcal Collection, Please enjoy Hernando’s Behind the Bottle here
Kelly + Jones was featured in Video Contributor’s Holiday 2022 Video
Please read Kelly Jones Profiles in American Perfumery here
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