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: $40–90 ($$)

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. The choice makes itself.

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

Shop elsewhere. Banhez Tobalá wins