Reviews / Mala Mia Tepeztate

Review · · by The Editors

Mala Mia Tepeztate

Matatlán tepextate at 45%. Below floor, above dismissal

Score: 3.0/5 agaves

Mala Mia Tepeztate bottle
  • Producer: Mala Mia Mezcal
  • Maestro: Saturnino Martínez Méndez
  • Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Tepextate
  • ABV: 45%
  • Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

At 45%, tepextate is undersold but not silent; Saturnino Martínez Méndez extracts more from the constrained proof than we'd expect. Still a bottle we'd pass on in favor of anything from the Maguey Melate tepextate program – which has eight different tepextates that all clear 45%. A qualified 'drinkable.'

A tepextate that tries despite the proof

Tasting notes

Nose: Faint floral, then green melon, light mineral, cooked agave

Palate: 45% is below where marmorata shows its character, but Martínez Méndez's cut keeps the bottle legible – muted tepextate that still comes through as tepextate

Finish: Floral-soft – medium

The bottom line

Pass unless you need a Matatlán tepextate specifically

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

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