Reviews / Riazuleño Contemporaneo
Review · · by The Editors
Riazuleño Contemporaneo
Tobalá lifts the line up by a grade
Score: 3.0/5 agaves
- Producer: Riazuleño Mezcal
- Maestro: Gelasio Cruz
- Region: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca
- Agave: Espadin, Tobala
- ABV: 42%
- Price: $70 ($$)
Verdict
Contemporáneo is the argument that Gelasio Cruz has more to say than the Clásico suggests – 42% instead of 40%, espadín with tobalá backup, a clearer producer voice. Still behind Banhez Tobalá for comparable ambition at similar money; still ahead of the line's base. 3.3 is a tenth too generous; 3.0 lands.
The Gelasio Cruz bottle to actually buy, if you're buying one
Tasting notes
Nose: Cooked espadín sweetness with a cleaner green lift from the tobalá
Palate: 42% still short for a tobalá blend but the wild agave shows – faint mineral, a floral top note, more mid-palate than Clásico
Finish: Clean, faintly floral. Medium
The bottom line
The Riazuleño to choose if the shelf forces you to pick one
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.
- Keg N Bottle – $94.99