Reviews / Mezcalero No. 18
Review · · by The Editors
Mezcalero No. 18
A four-agave ensamble that tries to do more than four agaves usually allow
Score: 3.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Mezcalero Mezcal
- Maestro: Valente Angel García
- Region: Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca
- Agave: Bicuishe, Espadin, Madrecuishe, Mexicano
- ABV: 47%
- Price: $70 ($$)
Verdict
No. 18 is more interesting than coherent. The individual agaves are all fine; the composition occasionally loses the plot when asking four wild agaves to share one proof spine at 47%. The Mezcalero series rewards risk-taking, and this is a release where the risk is visible. Consensus 3.9 is fair. Drinkers who want to understand why two- and three-agave ensambles tend to work better will find the lesson here.
Four wild agaves is the edge of what an ensamble can hold
Tasting notes
Nose: Layered – cooked agave, mineral damp, green herb, honey
Palate: Richly textured but occasionally muddled at 47% – bicuishe, espadín, madrecuishe, and mexicano each want the floor, and no single one can quite claim it. The composition sits as ambitious rather than successful
Finish: Mineral, warm – long
The bottom line
An interesting bottle. Not a reference one
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.