Reviews / Pistolero Jabali

Review · · by The Editors

Pistolero Jabali

Jabalí at 46%, proof is the first question

Score: 3.5/5 agaves

Pistolero Jabali bottle
  • Producer: Pistolero Mezcal
  • Maestro: Raul Parada
  • Region: Yautepec, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Jabali
  • ABV: 46%
  • Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

Jabalí is one of the hardest magueys to distill well, low yield, foamy fermentation, and a plant that wants real proof to show itself. Pistolero's version is honest work from Raul Parada in San Carlos, Yautepec, but the 46% bottling leaves the plant holding back. For a jabalí that commits, reach for Real Minero or Lalocura. This one is fine as a secondary.

Jabalí under 48% is asking the plant to whisper

Tasting notes

Nose: Wild herbs, green fruit

Palate: The jabalí signature (floral, slightly oily, low-yield wild-agave intensity) shows up, but 46% is below the threshold where the plant fully commits. Raul Parada is working a demanding agave at a proof that doesn't quite match its ceiling

Finish: Medium, floral, clean

The bottom line

Pass unless you already own a 50%+ jabalí

More from Pistolero Mezcal