Lucero Azul + Alto + Espadin

Verdict

Michoacán ensambles are one of the most underappreciated regional categories in mezcal, and García Soto is one of the maestros arguing for its seriousness. The 49.3% proof gives the three agaves room to be themselves, and the bottle reads cleanly different from any Oaxaca equivalent – cooler, drier, more vegetal. Think of it next to the better Cuentacuentos Michoacán work. Buy when seen; García Soto's name is worth tracking.

Tasting notes

Nose: Wild herb, cooked fruit, warm pine, a clear mineral lift

Palate: The alto-inaequidens and azul-tequilana work in rotation with the espadín, and at 49.3% the Michoacán terroir – greener, higher-altitude, less Oaxaca-sweet, comes through with its own dialect. García Soto's cut is disciplined

Finish: Cooling, river rock – long

The bottom line

A Michoacán masterclass at honest proof