Mal Bien Espadin - Morales vs Machetazo Espadin
Two bottles that end up on the same shelf, tasted the same way on the same rubric. Scores, current average US prices, and the call.
| Mal Bien Espadin - Morales | Machetazo Espadin | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| The public | 3.5 | 4.4 |
| Price | $40 | $46 |
| ABV | 45.6% | 45% |
| Agave | Espadin | Espadin |
| Region | San Dionisio Ocotepec, Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca | San Baltazar Chichicapam, Oaxaca |
The call
Machetazo Espadin is the better bottle by 0.5; whether that is worth the extra $6 depends on how often you pour it. For sipping, spend up. For mixing, Mal Bien Espadin - Morales is the sane choice.
Mal Bien Espadin - Morales
A proper espadín. Not an easy one
Nose: Campfire, green olive, cooked agave, faint bell pepper
Palate: Leaner than a typical espadín, with a bitter edge and a salinity most commercial espadíns have polished off. 45.6% is appropriate
Finish: Saline, peppery
Read the full Mal Bien Espadin - Morales review
Machetazo Espadin
A small-producer espadín that earns its shelf slot
Nose: Warm stone first, then cooked agave, a bright citrus lift, light smoke
Palate: At 45% the bottle carries a cleaner mid-palate than most mid-shelf espadín – Machetazo's production discipline shows up in the density and the mineral edge. Nothing is being smoothed for distribution
Finish: Clean, faintly iron-tinged
Read the full Machetazo Espadin review