Vago Madre Cuixe - Aquilino Garcia Lopez

Verdict

The second Aquilino García López bottle in this catalog, and the second 4-star score, a pattern worth noticing. Madrecuishe is an agave that undersells itself at most producers' proofs; Vago at 51% lets it land at full weight, and the clay-still mineral register comes through without muddling the honey-and-earth signature madrecuishe develops in Candelaria Yegolé. 4.2 consensus matches. Aquilino's bottles are the Vago range's argument.

Tasting notes

Nose: Dark honey, hot stone, wet earth, soft leather

Palate: Weighty and mineral, the madrecuishe's signature rendered with clean production. 51% is right

Finish: Drying, warm, very long

The bottom line

A serious madrecuishe at a price that doesn't hurt

Where to buy online

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

• Old Town Tequila
• K&L Wines