Reviews / Alipus XX San Andres Aniversario Espadin y Bicuishe
Review · · by The Editors
Alipus XX San Andres Aniversario Espadin y Bicuishe
Alipus's anniversary release from Don Valente Angel – single-producer focus in a distribution brand
Score: 3.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Alipus Mezcal
- Maestro: Valente Angel García
- Region: Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca
- Agave: Bicuishe, Espadin
- Price: $60 ($$)
Verdict
Five consensus reviews at 3.8 aligns with our read. Alipus's normal releases are fine, utilitarian mezcales; the aniversario releases, when they name a specific maestro – are where the brand earns its more interesting shelf placement. Don Valente Angel's intent shows through in the coherence of the blend. Compared to a Nuestra Soledad ensamble at similar price, this reads slightly more polished and slightly less particular.
When Alipus names the maestro on the label, pay attention
Tasting notes
Nose: Cooked agave, wet grass, dry herb, faint citrus
Palate: Alipus releases tend toward the commercial end of the ensamble spectrum; the anniversary edition leans into Don Valente Angel's Santa Maria La Pila work more specifically, with the bicuishe adding a mineral counterpoint to the espadín base
Finish: Clean, river rock
The bottom line
Buy it if you find it; the maestro-named aniversarios outperform the standard line