Reviews / El Samaritano Arroqueño
Review · · by The Editors
El Samaritano Arroqueño
Arroqueño at 47%. A respectable mid-tier arroqueño from a producer that runs the proof where the agave shows
Score: 3.5/5 agaves
- Producer: El Samaritano Mezcal
- Maestro: Ambrosio Martinez Blas
- Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca
- Agave: Arroqueño
- ABV: 47%
- Price: $70 ($$)
Verdict
Not the category's best arroqueño but one that earns its price tier, a competent middle in a category where arroqueño tends to either cost too much or cut corners. Buy Don Lorenzo's arroqueño at 48% for the clearer mid-tier argument; El Samaritano is the backup when Don Lorenzo is unavailable.
A credible mid-tier arroqueño with the proof where the agave shows behind it
Tasting notes
Nose: Dark honey with bay leaf
Palate: Arroqueño's weight is present if not at reference caliber. The producer's discipline keeps the bottle coherent; the proof lands without being ambitious; medium-dense at 47%
Finish: Warm, drying, with a slow mineral fade. Stays long
The bottom line
Fine as an arroqueño category introduction
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 2 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.