Reviews / Los Cuerudos Joven
Review · · by The Editors
Los Cuerudos Joven
An entry espadín that plays at the category's floor
Score: 3.0/5 agaves
- Producer: Los Cuerudos Mezcal
- Maestro: Petronilo Rosario Altamirano
- Region: Las Margaritas, Oaxaca
- Agave: Espadin
- ABV: 42%
- Price: $50 ($)
Verdict
Los Cuerudos' joven is a competent entry-level espadín, but 42% is the ABV at which espadín starts to lose its argument against lower-priced, better-proofed bar-well options. Banhez ships its ensamble at 45% and puts something in the glass this bottle doesn't. As an introductory pour it works; as a considered purchase it's outclassed by neighbors on the same shelf.
A proof-shy espadín in a price tier that usually rewards more courage
Tasting notes
Nose: Light smoke with cane sugar, a trace of citrus
Palate: At 42% the bottle reads slightly underproofed – the espadín's character is there but the palate runs thin. Clean but unambitious
Finish: Short to medium, sweet, quickly gone
The bottom line
Fine, but Banhez does more for the same money