Reviews / Vago Mexicano - Joel Barriga
Review · · by The Editors
Vago Mexicano - Joel Barriga
A Vago miss that the consensus was right to flag
Score: 1.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Vago Mezcal
- Maestro: Joel Barriga
- Region: Hacienda Tapanala, Oaxaca
- Agave: Mexicano
- ABV: 51%
- Price: $150 ($$)
Verdict
Joel Barriga's mexicano is the rare Vago bottle that genuinely doesn't work – the plant character isn't there, and the 51% proof amplifies the flaws rather than the structure. Every producer has off batches, and the consensus score of 1.3 reflects this one accurately. Skip for Aquilino's mexicano or the Hijos version at Candelaria Yegole.
Even a reliable bench has bad batches. This is one
Tasting notes
Nose: Light smoke, a harsh chemical top note
Palate: With the mexicano character absent and the proof reading as heat rather than depth; hot and disjointed at 51%
Finish: Bitter, unpleasant – short
The bottom line
A skip. Pour Aquilino's mexicano instead
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.