Reviews / Maguey Melate Barril - Antonio Martinez
Review · · by The Editors
Maguey Melate Barril - Antonio Martinez
Antonio 'Conejo' Martínez renders barril in clay at a generous 46.7%
Score: 4.0/5 agaves
- Producer: Maguey Melate
- Maestro: Antonio Carlos Martinez
- Region: Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca
- Agave: Barril
- ABV: 46.7%
- Price: $70 ($$)
Verdict
Antonio Carlos Martínez works in Santa Catarina Minas and this barril is the bottle that argues for paying attention to him. Closer to Real Minero's clay-pot baseline than most Melate releases – hunt the Conejo name. The karwinskii character comes through intact, the proof is honest, and the clay signature stays legible.
Clay-pot barril done with patience – the Conejo signature
Tasting notes
Nose: Green herbs, then cooked agave, wet stone
Palate: Clay-pot distillation keeps the barril's vegetal backbone wet and present – Antonio's hand shows in the restraint. At 46.7% the karwinskii lift carries across the palate without thinning
Finish: Mineral, slightly floral
The bottom line
Track the Conejo bottles. This one's exhibit A