Reviews / Madre Ancestral, Espadin and Tobasiche

Review · · by The Editors

Madre Ancestral, Espadin and Tobasiche

Moises Martinez delivers a Minas clay-pot ensamble that earns its price

Score: 3.5/5 agaves

Madre Ancestral, Espadin and Tobasiche bottle
  • Producer: Madre Mezcal
  • Maestro: Moises Martinez
  • Region: Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Espadin, Tobaziche
  • ABV: 47%
  • Price: $150 ($$)

Verdict

The Madre bottles you find on restaurant shelves are fine; the Ancestral line is the reason to keep checking. Moises Martinez produces this in Santa Catarina Minas and the clay-pot signature reads clearly, reach past the copper espadín on the same shelf and open this instead. Closer to Real Minero's baseline than Madre's pricing would suggest.

Madre's ceiling is higher than its entry espadín suggests

Tasting notes

Nose: Green herbs with cooked pineapple, damp earth

Palate: Clay-pot distillation at 47% gives this ensamble the characteristic Minas wetness, the espadín's sweetness is tempered by the tobaziche's herbal lift, and Moises keeps both in balance

Finish: Mineral, slightly vegetal, long

The bottom line

The Madre bottle worth the shelf space

Where to buy online

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

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