El Samaritano Mexicano

Verdict

A credible mid-tier mexicano from a producer whose range runs reliable if not spectacular. Not the reference mexicano; not a Jolgorio or Cuentacuentos rendering of the agave. Buy it as a mid-tier introduction to the variety; buy Rey Campero's mexicano when you want the same money spent on a stronger hand.

Tasting notes

Nose: Green herb up front. Mineral damp, cooked agave underneath

Palate: Mexicano's character intact, the proof does enough structural work. The agave's vegetal-mineral register doesn't need the lift that arroqueño or tepextate demand, and El Samaritano's production is clean enough to let the character show rather than muddling it; lean at 45%

Finish: Cooling, dry, with a slow green-herb fade

The bottom line

Fine as the mexicano category introduction at the mid-tier