Reviews / Akul Madrecuishe-Tobala-Arooqueno

Review · · by The Editors

Akul Madrecuishe-Tobala-Arooqueno

Three-agave ensamble at 45%. The proof limits the composition

Score: 3.0/5 agaves

Akul Madrecuishe-Tobala-Arooqueno bottle
  • Producer: Akul Mezcal
  • Maestro: Eric Hernandez
  • Region: Tlacolula, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Arroqueño, Madrecuishe, Tobala
  • ABV: 45%
  • Price: $60 ($$)

Verdict

Akul's ensamble is well-intentioned but undersold by the proof. Three heavy wild agaves (madrecuishe, tobalá, arroqueño) at 45% is a composition problem at any price tier – the agaves demand 48%+ to share one bottle without crowding each other out, and at 45% the result is legibly additive rather than composed. Consensus 3.5 is close. Single-agave wild bottles in this tier outperform the ensamble.

Heavy-agave ensambles need heavy proof to work

Tasting notes

Nose: Wildflower, then dark honey, green pepper

Palate: Medium-bodied. At 45%, each agave is legible but none dominant

Finish: Medium-long, drying, mineral

The bottom line

Single-agave wild bottles in this tier outperform