Bozal Tepeztate

Item: Bozal Tepeztate
Rating: 3.0
Author: The Editors

Bozal tepeztate at 45%. The proof undersells the agave, which is the whole category's chronic problem

Score: 3.0/5 agaves

Producer: Bozal Mezcal
Maestro: Honorato Cruz Molina
Region: Santa Ana, Oaxaca
Agave: Tepextate
ABV: 45%
Price: $73 ($$)

Verdict

Tepextate whispering instead of speaking. The character is legibly there; the proof is the ceiling the agave can't break through. 45% is the category's chronic compromise on an agave that needs 48%+ – Bozal's production is clean, and the tepextate is still quiet. Buy Dos Pasiones' tepextate or the Buen Camino for the same money and more actual agave.

Tepeztate at 45% is a category compromise the whole category keeps making

Tasting notes

Nose: Wildflower, wet stone

Palate: Thin for tepeztate at 45% – the 25-year agave asks for more structural support than the proof delivers

Finish: Medium-long, cooling, with a slow floral fade

The bottom line

Jolgorio or Rey Campero tepeztate at similar money outperforms

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 3 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.