Reviews / Vago Tobala en Barro
Review · · by The Editors
Vago Tobala en Barro
Clay-pot tobalá from Tío Rey – the one bottle that closes the argument
Score: 4.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Vago Mezcal
- Maestro: Salomon "Tio Rey" Rodriguez
- Region: Sola de Vega, Oaxaca
- Agave: Tobala
- ABV: 48%
- Price: $70 ($$)
Verdict
Salomon 'Tío Rey' Rodriguez's en barro tobalá sits right next to the Jarquín version as the Vago tobalá reference – different hand, different method, equally disciplined. At 48% the clay-pot distillation adds a genuine textural dimension that copper can't match, and the tobalá's character deepens accordingly. Hunt it and pour alongside the Jarquín.
En barro tobalá is the plant at its most complete
Tasting notes
Nose: Honey walks in first. Then warm earth, wildflower, stone
Palate: Oily and layered, with the clay-pot distillation adding weight and earthiness and the tobalá's sweetness running longer as a result
Finish: Very long, warming, mineral
The bottom line
Chase it down. Clay-pot tobalá from a reference maestro
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.