Reviews / El Sarao Oaxaca Cuishe
Review · · by The Editors
El Sarao Oaxaca Cuishe
Total Wine's house cuishe at 46.4%. The rare store-brand where the sourcing actually works
Score: 3.5/5 agaves
- Producer: El Sarao Oaxaca Mezcal, Total Wine Spirits Direct
- Region: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca
- Agave: Cuishe
- ABV: 46.4%
- Price: $70 ($$)
Verdict
The vegetal-mineral register intact, the proof appropriate for the format, the producer honest about being commercial-tier rather than specialty – El Sarao's cuishe does the floor work without embarrassing itself. Buy it if the Vago or Rey Campero cuishes aren't available; this is the commercial alternative that doesn't lie about what it is.
A credible Total Wine cuishe that defies the usual store-brand failure mode
Tasting notes
Nose: Green pepper with mineral damp, a faint floral high note and dry hay underneath
Palate: Lean at 46.4%. Cuishe's character survives the commercial distribution – the store-brand sourcing picked a legitimate producer for this bottling rather than just bulk-sourcing the cheapest option
Finish: Cooling, drying, with a slow wet slate fade. Long
The bottom line
A sensible store-brand pick for drinkers who can't find the specialty cuishes
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.