Don Amado Arroqueno

Verdict

Arroqueño is the agave where 46% reliably falls short, the long maturation builds density the bottle can't carry at this proof. Don Amado's production is disciplined, the agave reads cleanly, but the proof is the ceiling. Buy Real Minero's arroqueño or El Jolgorio's for the same agave at the proof it actually wants; skip this one unless the others are unavailable.

Tasting notes

Nose: Dark honey with bay leaf, faint leather

Palate: Medium-dense at 46%. Arroqueño's full weight wants 48-50% to land properly; at 46% the agave character holds but never fully lands, you get the shape of the bottle without the mass

Finish: Long, drying, warm, with a slow mineral fade

The bottom line

Real Minero Arroqueño outperforms at similar money