Grand Artesanal Jean-Marc Tepextate

Item: Grand Artesanal Jean-Marc Tepextate
Rating: 3.0
Author: The Editors

Tepextate at 45%. The underproof tax, again

Score: 3.0/5 agaves

Producer: Grand Artesanal Jean-Marc Mezcal
Maestro: Rey Gutiérrez
Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca
Agave: Tepextate
ABV: 45%
Price: $65 ($$)

Verdict

Tepextate wants more proof than this bottle gives it. Grand Artesanal's is clean but underperforming, the kind of commercial tepextate that gives marmorata a reputation it doesn't deserve. Real Minero, Cuentacuentos, or Gente de Mezcal tepextate at 48% will all do more.

Tepextate wants more proof than this bottle gives it

Tasting notes

Nose: Green pepper, light floral, wet stone

Palate: Tepextate below 48% gives up its signature herbal snap. 45% reads clean but quiet; the aromatics don't stay up

Finish: Short-medium, mild

The bottom line

A pass. Underproofed