Dainzu Tepeztate

Item: Dainzu Tepeztate
Rating: 3.5
Author: The Editors

Matatlán tepeztate – undisclosed proof, disclosed agave

Score: 3.5/5 agaves

Producer: Dainzu Mezcal
Maestro: Leoncio Santiago, Octavia Santiago Hernandez
Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca
Agave: Tepextate
Price: $65 ($$)

Verdict

This is the Dainzu bottle to reach for if you're reaching for any – tepeztate is hard to fake and the agave character comes through regardless of label opacity. Buy it if you're stuck between Dainzu options, but Cuentacuentos' named-maestro tepeztates in this same price tier are better disclosed and comparably priced. Provenance earns attention.

A tepeztate that's doing work the label won't fully take credit for

Tasting notes

Nose: Green pepper with lime peel, a mineral lift

Palate: Tepeztate under the Santiago Hernandez family – the marmorata's vegetal character reads through, though again the missing ABV makes structural judgment partial

Finish: Medium-long, herbal, dry

The bottom line

The best Dainzu bottle; still not the best in its price tier