Los Nahuales "Still Proof" Jabali & Espadin

Verdict

Still proof bottlings are meant to capture the agave at its undiluted ABV, which usually means honoring whatever that agave demands. Jabalí demands solitude. The espadín in this blend keeps the liquid drinkable but sands off the jabalí's difficult middle, the very thing you buy jabalí to taste. Los Nahuales' better solo jabalí work (or Lalocura's) does what this bottle almost does. Pass if you want jabalí; accept if you want a high-proof ensamble.

Tasting notes

Nose: Wild herb, then cracked pepper, cooked agave, a warm stone note

Palate: 53% is structurally correct for jabalí, but the espadín co-star softens the convallis's characteristic feral edge. The bottle reads tamed rather than triumphant

Finish: Long, warming, faintly vegetal

The bottom line

Jabalí doesn't share the room well. Skip