Reviews / Maguey Melate Deer Pechuga
Review · · by The Editors
Maguey Melate Deer Pechuga
Julio Topete Becerra – raicillero doing pechuga with venison
Score: 3.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Maguey Melate
- Region: Jalisco
- Agave: Maximiliana
- ABV: 44%
- Price: $70 ($)
Verdict
Julio Topete Becerra is a raicillero, not a mezcalero, and that context matters, this deer pechuga runs drier and gamier than Oaxacan pechuga you know. Track Julio's name if you want pechuga as a method rather than a recipe. Closer to what Cuentacuentos does with unusual protein infusions than the Banhez Pechuga de Pavo school. A format bottle.
Pechuga with deer – the format pushed where most won't take it
Tasting notes
Nose: Dried meat. Then warm stone, juniper, citrus peel
Palate: Jalisco steel-still pechuga at 44% – the deer reads more assertive than turkey, the raicilla base runs drier than Oaxacan pechuga counterparts. Julio Topete Becerra keeps the savory-wild balance deliberate
Finish: Gamey, herbal, long
The bottom line
A pechuga that pushes the form. For method-curious drinkers