Koch Ensamble - Angustifolia/ Karwinskii

Item: Koch Ensamble - Angustifolia/ Karwinskii
Rating: 3.0
Author: The Editors

Espadín-karwinskii ensamble – a legible middle bottle

Score: 3.0/5 agaves

Producer: Koch Mezcal
Maestro: Adrian Bautista
Region: Rio de Ejutla, Oaxaca
Agave: Angustifolia, Karwinskii
ABV: 47%
Price: $55 ($)

Verdict

This is the style of ensamble that populates most mezcal shelves – espadín for body, karwinskii for structure, and Koch's version is a capable example rather than a standout. Proper 47%, clean production, no standout voice. Buy for reliability; for the same idea with more personality, go to Rey Campero's or Cuish's ensambles.

An ensamble formula that works without surprising

Tasting notes

Nose: Green herb with faint wax, mild pepper

Palate: 47% – Adrian Bautista's Río de Ejutla ensamble pulls the karwinskii's woody-waxy spine through the espadín's softer body; the result is balanced without being especially memorable

Finish: Clean, warm – medium

The bottom line

Buy for reliability; pass for personality