Marca Negra Tepeztate

Verdict

A widely distributed tepextate at 47-48% is already unusual in the commercial-brand space, and Jorge Méndez's cut for Marca Negra is credible, not as articulate as Hermógenes Vásquez or Reyna Sánchez in the Maguey Melate program, but a real tepextate at a price and availability those bottles can't match. Buy it when craft options are out.

Tasting notes

Nose: Jasmine, crushed melon, wet stone, green pepper

Palate: 47-48% of copper tepextate – Jorge Méndez's cut reads clean and floral, the San Luis del Río idiom gives it warmer body than the refrescador tepextates in this batch

Finish: Floral, dry, long

The bottom line

The tepextate on the shelf, not the one on the shrine

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 3 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

• Keg N Bottle – $300
• Flaviar – $107
• Hi-Time Wine – $100