Reviews / Vago Barril en Barro
Review · · by The Editors
Vago Barril en Barro
Barril in clay, the Vago way – quieter than the arroqueño, just as serious
Score: 4.0/5 agaves
- Producer: Vago Mezcal
- Maestro: Salomon "Tio Rey" Rodriguez
- Region: Sola de Vega, Oaxaca
- Agave: Barril
- ABV: 47.9%
- Price: $150 ($$)
Verdict
Vago's clay-still barril is the karwinskii bottle to reach for once tobalá and tepextate have lost their novelty – denser, weirder, more rooted in place. At 47.9% Aquilino's clay gives the vegetal-mineral register real gravity without the muddy sweetness that sinks lesser barriles. Candelaria Yegolé speaking where Real Minero speaks for Minas, and the shelf is better for having both voices.
Barril rewards the clay still. Vago knows
Tasting notes
Nose: Warm earth with caramelized agave
Palate: Dense, slightly bitter, cleanly presented at 47.9%. The barril comes through without the muddiness some producers let into the profile
Finish: Warming, mineral – long
The bottom line
A credible alternative to Real Minero Barril at comparable money
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 4 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.
- South Lyndale – $89.99
- Epicurean Trader – $119.99
- K&L Wines
- Mission Liquor