Buen Camino Madre Cuishe

Verdict

Madrecuishe at 46% always shows the agave in silhouette – Ocotepec's village profile survives, but the 48%+ version is what the agave actually wants. Buen Camino's cut is clean enough that the register reads through the proof shortfall. A legitimate madrecuishe; buy Vago or Mezcalosfera at similar money if you want the agave in its full shape.

Tasting notes

Nose: Dark honey with hot slate, mineral damp and a faint leather undertone

Palate: Dense at 46% – madrecuishe's weight carried if a shade under-proofed. Ocotepec's village profile shows through the chalky spine and earth register; the producer's cut is clean and the agave is legitimate, but the proof is a couple points below where madrecuishe actually wants to be

Finish: Drying, warm, with a slow earth fade

The bottom line

Fine