Tosba Tepextate

Item: Tosba Tepextate
Rating: 4.5
Author: The Editors

Tepextate at the proof the plant deserves

Score: 4.5/5 agaves

Producer: Tosba Mezcal
Maestro: Edgar Gonzalez
Region: San Cristobal Lachirioag, Oaxaca
Agave: Tepextate
ABV: 47.8%
Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

Tepextate is a 25-year plant; underselling it at proof is a waste of everyone's time. Gonzalez gets right to the edge of where the agave starts to sing, and the result is one of the most honestly-priced wild tepextates on the shelf. Tomas Artesanal's tepextate should be taking notes. Hunt this down.

Below 48%, tepextate whispers. At 47.8%, Tosba makes it talk

Tasting notes

Nose: Wet basil – then white pepper, honeysuckle, warm stone

Palate: Floral, mineral, and structured at 47.8%, with the tepextate's characteristic green-and-stone pull holding together instead of dissipating on the back palate

Finish: Cooling, faintly peppery – very long

The bottom line

Worth chasing. A reference-caliber tepextate at a fair price

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 3 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.