Fuego y Humo Arroqueño

Verdict

San Dionisio arroqueño is where americana earns its reputation, and Jose Manuel Mendez's version is a fair-priced entry into the category. Less polished than Rey Campero, denser than Del Maguey's Vida – a solid middle-field pick for drinkers who want arroqueño's cocoa register without paying Real Minero money. Buy.

Tasting notes

Nose: Dark cocoa, cooked agave, dried herbs

Palate: 47% is the right proof for arroqueño – the americana muscle is present without getting unruly, cocoa and earth through the mid, a clean tahona texture under it all

Finish: Savory, warming – long

The bottom line

A buy. Honest-price arroqueño