Maguey Melate Barreno

Verdict

Ageo Cortés is carrying his father Felipe's reputation forward and this barreño is the proof – commit to it. Refrescador distillation is demanding and he deserves his name honored for the result: a karwinskii with the focus of a Real Minero release at a price most drinkers can still justify. Buy when available.

Tasting notes

Nose: Cold rainwater, green apple, wet limestone, white pepper

Palate: Refrescador distillation at 46.3% gives this barreño a crispness most copper-distilled versions can't touch – the karwinskii signature reads clear, sharp, almost austere. Ageo makes the technique invisible

Finish: Cold, mineral – very long

The bottom line

One of the cleanest karwinskii bottles on the shelf