Reviews / Palenqueros Madrecuishe - Alberto Ortiz
Review · · by The Editors
Palenqueros Madrecuishe - Alberto Ortiz
Madrecuishe at 53% done as the specialists do it
Score: 4.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Palenqueros
- Maestro: Alberto Ortiz
- Region: Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca
- Agave: Madrecuishe
- ABV: 53%
- Price: $100 ($$)
Verdict
This is what karwinskii should read as when producers commit. Palenqueros' house madrecuishe demonstrates the proof argument that the species loses expression below about 48% – at 53% it has the density and duration to justify its price. Track the named-maestro versions below for more specificity, but this is the solid foundation.
53% is the floor for proper madrecuishe; anything less undersells the species
Tasting notes
Nose: Wet stone, then cucumber skin, saline, white pepper, a mineral ring
Palate: 53% lets madrecuishe sing in its native register – saline-wet slate, vegetal, slow-unfolding – without the proof clipping the species' characteristic long finish
Finish: Mineral, dry. Very long
The bottom line
Buy. Reference-grade madrecuishe without the one-palenque tax
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.