Grand Artesanal Jean-Marc Tobala

Item: Grand Artesanal Jean-Marc Tobala
Rating: 3.2
Author: The Editors

Matatlán tobalá – pretty bottle, unassuming liquid

Score: 3.2/5 agaves

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

Verdict

Another tobalá sized for the shelf rather than the agave. Rey Gutiérrez's execution is clean; the brand's polish mutes what makes potatorum worth chasing. Banhez Tobalá at lower price does more. Pass.

Another tobalá sized for the shelf rather than the agave

Tasting notes

Nose: Mild honey with cooked agave

Palate: 45% with a tobalá that's been polished for retail – the aromatics feel fractional, the palate short

Finish: Soft, clean. Medium

The bottom line

Pass. Banhez Tobalá wins