Reviews / Tomas Artesanal Reserva

Review · · by The Editors

Tomas Artesanal Reserva

An abocado that trades agave character for agreeableness

Score: 2.5/5 agaves

Tomas Artesanal Reserva bottle
  • Producer: Tomas Artesanal
  • Maestro: Lupe Castro, Roque Cruz Molina
  • Region: Santa Ana, Oaxaca, Zacatecas
  • Agave: Azul, Espadin
  • ABV: 40%
  • Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

Dropping a mezcal to 40% and sweetening it is a commercial decision, not an editorial one. The Tomas Reserva is inoffensive in the way a mid-shelf liqueur is inoffensive, which is fine if that's what you're shopping for, but the Ensamble Azul-Espadín premise could have been a lot more interesting at proof. Pass for anything unsweetened in the catalog.

Abocado is the category's apology to drinkers who wanted rum

Tasting notes

Nose: Sweet wood, then raisin, soft smoke, a hint of caramel

Palate: With whatever the abocado infusion is (the label isn't telling) smoothing the edges into something that reads closer to a cordial than a mezcal; round and sweet at 40%

Finish: Sugary, warm

The bottom line

Pass. An abocado that erases the reason you bought mezcal

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 2 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

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