Cuentacuentos Mexicano

Verdict

The specialty-importer model at its clearest: single-maestro rendering of an agave that usually appears only as an ensamble supporting voice. Santos delivers mexicano at reference caliber – the agave's character, not a producer's interpretation of it. Cuentacuentos's willingness to bottle single-variety is what gives drinkers direct vocabulary access to agaves the commercial tier erases. A solo mexicano is rare enough to justify the effort.

Tasting notes

Nose: Green herb, warm earth, mineral damp and a faint floral high note

Palate: Dense at 45-50% – mexicano's character amplified by proof. Santos's production discipline produces a bottle where the agave's vegetal-iron-tinged register reads with unusual clarity; single-maestro mexicano at this caliber is rare because mexicano usually appears in ensambles rather than solo bottlings

Finish: Unending. Cooling, stone, with a slow herb fade

The bottom line

Single-maestro mexicano, rarely bottled solo

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

• Saratoga Wine – $97