Reviews / Wahaka Tepeztate

Review · · by The Editors

Wahaka Tepeztate

Tepeztate at the accessible end of the category

Score: 3.5/5 agaves

Wahaka Tepeztate bottle
  • Producer: Wahaka Mezcal
  • Maestro: Alberto Morales Mendez
  • Region: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Tepextate
  • ABV: 45%
  • Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

Wahaka's tepeztate is a reasonable introduction to the agave – cheaper than the top-shelf bottles, honestly made, and at 45% enough to let the tepeztate signature register legibly. The bottle is a gateway rather than a destination: drinkers who start here will want to climb to El Jolgorio, Real Minero, or the Cuentacuentos one-palenque tepeztates once the palate is calibrated. Consensus 4.0 is generous; we read it as 3.5.

Tepeztate at 45% is still tepeztate, just not at full volume

Tasting notes

Nose: Wildflower, green pepper, mineral, damp leaf

Palate: Lighter than most tepeztates – the 45% ABV keeps things legible but doesn't earn the agave full weight

Finish: Cooling, dry – medium-long

The bottom line

A starter tepeztate. You'll want to climb the ladder

Where to buy online

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

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