Reviews / Don Roy Joven

Review · · by The Editors

Don Roy Joven

Don Roy joven at 40% – Rogelio Chagoya's commercial-tier Tlacolula espadín

Score: 2.5/5 agaves

Don Roy Joven bottle
  • Producer: Don Roy Mezcal
  • Maestro: Rogelio Chagoya
  • Region: Tlacolula, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Espadin
  • ABV: 40%
  • Price: $55 ($)

Verdict

The framework is there; the bottle is diluted. Rogelio Chagoya's Tlacolula palenque uses traditional methods, pit, tahona, copper – but 40% is below the proof that would let any of that discipline show on the palate. Skip; Chagoya likely makes stronger bottles than this label reaches for.

Commercial joven from a legitimate producer, with all the usual commercial-proof limitations

Tasting notes

Nose: Cooked agave, then faint smoke, a trace of green apple, soft cooked-sugar underneath

Palate: Thin-bodied at 40%. Chagoya's production is legitimate Tlacolula, pit-roast, tahona, copper still, the usual traditional markers – but the bottle is capped at commercial proof and the agave shows exactly what 40% lets it show, which isn't much

Finish: With a faint smoky fade, short

The bottom line

Skip. Chagoya likely makes better bottles than this label reaches