Reviews / Origen Raiz Madrecuishe
Review · · by The Editors
Origen Raiz Madrecuishe
Madrecuishe at 48% – the proof is right, the expression is quieter than it should be
Score: 3.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Origen Raiz del Espiritu Mezcal
- Maestro: Valentin Cortes
- Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca
- Agave: Madrecuishe
- ABV: 48%
- Price: $70 ($$)
Verdict
Madrecuishe is one of the agaves where the gap between competent and great is largest, because the species rewards producers who really sit with it. Origen Raíz has made a clean bottle without that extra patience – the registers are all correct, just quieter. Track Palenqueros' madrecuishe bottlings, or a Lalocura, for what this species does at the ceiling.
A legible madrecuishe that isn't the madrecuishe you tell friends about
Tasting notes
Nose: Green pepper, wet stone, cucumber skin, saline
Palate: Karwinskii markers are there – mineral, vegetal, saline, but rendered in lower resolution than the best exponents of the agave. Clean, if not thrilling
Finish: Medium, dry, wet slate
The bottom line
Track Palenqueros madrecuishe for the ceiling. This one is a serviceable floor
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.