Reviews / Maguey Melate Espadin Chocolate
Review · · by The Editors
Maguey Melate Espadin Chocolate
Berta Vasquez's espadín chocolate – a varietal cousin at 47.9%
Score: 4.0/5 agaves
- Producer: Maguey Melate
- Maestro: Berta Vasquez
- Region: San Baltazar Chichicapam, Oaxaca
- Agave: Espadin
- ABV: 47.9%
- Price: $60 ($)
Verdict
Honor Berta Vasquez by name. Espadín chocolate is a varietal distinction that most producers don't dignify – Berta does, and the bottle shows why the name matters. Closer to Lalocura's San Baltazar work than typical Chichicapam releases. Buy when available; the varietal-specific bottlings are hard to find and easier to skip than they should be.
Espadín chocolate – a varietal that earns its name
Tasting notes
Nose: Cocoa nib with green melon, dried herb
Palate: Maestra mezcalera Berta Vasquez distills espadín chocolate at 47.9% in San Baltazar Chichicapam, the cocoa-leaning variant reads richer and darker than standard espadín, the proof carries the density
Finish: Long, warming, softly roasted
The bottom line
A varietal worth knowing. Track Berta's name