Reviews / El Yope Arroqueno

Review · · by The Editors

El Yope Arroqueno

Arroqueño at 46%. The proof undersells the density, which is the agave's chronic mid-tier problem

Score: 3.0/5 agaves

El Yope Arroqueno bottle
  • Producer: El Yope Mezcal
  • Maestro: Ismael Rosales
  • Region: San Baltazar Chichicapam, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Arroqueño
  • ABV: 46%
  • Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

Guerrero arroqueño runs leaner than the Oaxacan default, the regional distinction helps a little, but not enough to compensate for the proof cap. Arroqueño at mid-tier proof reliably loses density; El Yope's version doesn't break the pattern. Buy Real Minero's or Del Maguey's arroqueño for the agave at caliber; El Yope's is the working introduction.

Arroqueño at 46% is a commercial compromise the category keeps repeating

Tasting notes

Nose: Dark honey, warm earth, bay leaf

Palate: Medium at 46%. Arroqueño's full weight wants more proof than 46% delivers, the agave's mass is what distinguishes it from other wild agaves, and at 46% the mass shows up muted

Finish: Drying, with a slow honey fade

The bottom line

Real Minero or Del Maguey arroqueño outperform meaningfully

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

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