Reviews / Claridad Ensamble de Siete

Review · · by The Editors

Claridad Ensamble de Siete

Seven-agave ensamble – Ortiz attempting the ambitious format

Score: 4.0/5 agaves

Claridad Ensamble de Siete bottle
  • Producer: Claridad Mezcal
  • Maestro: Onofre Ortiz
  • Region: Miahuatlán, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Bicuishe, Espadin, Jabali, Madrecuishe, Tepextate, Tobala
  • ABV: 48%
  • Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

A strong seven-agave ensamble. Seven agaves (bicuishe, espadín, jabalí, madrecuishe, tepextate, tobalá, and a seventh) at 48% is a composition ceiling – even disciplined producers struggle to hold seven agaves in coherent conversation. Ortiz's ensamble clears that bar: the agaves share register rather than competing, and the Miahuatlán production carries the composition cleanly. Seven-agave ensambles that work are rare. No consensus; we come in at 4. A the bottle the category aims at Claridad.

Seven-agave ensambles that work are rare

Tasting notes

Nose: Layered – wildflower, cooked agave, mineral damp, hot stone

Palate: Seven agaves in coherent conversation; complex at 48%

Finish: Unending. Drying, river rock, cooling

The bottom line

A the bottle the category aims at Claridad

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