Reviews / Joyas Oaxaqueñas Tobala

Review · · by The Editors

Joyas Oaxaqueñas Tobala

Tobalá at 37-42%? – the category should be ashamed

Score: 2.0/5 agaves

Joyas Oaxaqueñas Tobala bottle
  • Producer: Joyas Oaxaqueñas Mezcal
  • Region: Tlacolula, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Tobala
  • ABV: 37%
  • Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

Labeling a 37-42% bottle 'tobalá' is a small crime against the agave. Tobalá is a slow-growing wild varietal that earns its premium by delivering aromatic intensity; this bottle gives none of that back. Skip, and if you want real tobalá at a reasonable price, start with Banhez Tobalá or Gusto Histórico Juárez. Joyas Oaxaqueñas does the category no favors.

A tobalá label on a bottle that doesn't taste like tobalá

Tasting notes

Nose: Faint floral up front. Cooked agave, thin pepper underneath

Palate: 37-42% – tobalá wants 46%+ to express properly, and at this proof range the wild agave might as well be espadín. Thin, sugar-leaning, no lift

Finish: Clean, gone – short

The bottom line

Skip. Tobalá needs proof this bottle won't give

Where to buy online

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

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