Maguey Melate Sierra Negra

Verdict

Sierra negra is one of those americana expressions that asks for patience, and Everardo López Diego's clay-pot work gives it room. Santa Catarina Albarradas has a distinct mineral signature and this bottle wears it openly. We'd put it next to Rey Campero's arroqueño as a case study in how village style shapes agave – two americana cousins, two completely different bottles.

Tasting notes

Nose: Dark fig, wet clay, roasted nut, cigar leaf, warm spice

Palate: At 45% the olla de barro signature is unmistakable – cool mineral texture, a savory americana density that carries the weight without asking for more proof, clay's particular dustiness in the mid-palate

Finish: Earthy, softly sweet – long

The bottom line

An americana worth slowing down for