Reviews / Alipus San Juan XX Aniversario
Review · · by The Editors
Alipus San Juan XX Aniversario
Rodolfo Juan Juárez's XX Aniversario – a three-agave ensamble that hits the anniversary tier's potential
Score: 4.0/5 agaves
- Producer: Alipus Mezcal
- Maestro: Rodolfo Juan Juarez
- Region: San Juan del Rio, Oaxaca
- Agave: Espadin, Tepextate, Tobala
- ABV: 47.6%
- Price: $65 ($$)
Verdict
Commercial Alipus at 42% undersells consistently; anniversary Alipus at 47-48% delivers the village at its capable best. Rodolfo Juan Juárez's three-agave ensamble (espadín, tepextate, tobalá) at 47.6% is the version that earns the tier, every agave in its own register, none crowding the others. Track the anniversary Alipus; leave the commercial ones.
The right maestro at the right proof makes the anniversary tier matter
Tasting notes
Nose: Wildflower with warm stone, a faint herbal high note and trace of dried hay
Palate: Aromatic at 47.6% – anniversary proof makes the difference. The right maestro (Juárez) at the right proof produces a village-specific ensamble that elevates the Alipus range above its standard commercial pricing
Finish: Drying, cooling, with a slow floral fade. Very long
The bottom line
Track it down