Reviews / Rayu Ensamble
Review · · by The Editors
Rayu Ensamble
Rayu espadín-jabalí-madrecuishe at 44%. Ambitious recipe, modest proof
Score: 3.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Rayu Mezcal
- Maestro: Bernardino Jarquín Pacheco
- Region: Miahuatlán, Oaxaca
- Agave: Espadin, Jabali, Madrecuishe
- ABV: 44%
- Price: $40 ($$)
Verdict
Rayu's ensamble combines three magueys (espadín, jabalí, madrecuishe) that work together in theory, and the brand has chosen a recipe that should deliver. But 44% is too low for this composition, jabalí and madrecuishe both want more proof to show their signatures. Skip unless the price is friendly. For serious ensamble work at this price range, Praedium's espadín-tobaziche commits harder.
A smart recipe at a proof that doesn't let it finish its sentence
Tasting notes
Nose: Cooked agave, floral jabalí lift, a mineral thread underneath
Palate: The three-agave build has the right shape on paper, espadín body, jabalí floral, madrecuishe limestone – but 44% is where the liquid doesn't quite close. Jabalí in particular wants 48%+ to commit. The ensamble reads as sketch rather than finished composition
Finish: Short-to-medium, floral, fading
The bottom line
Not worth the spend. Proof is the missing piece
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.