Reviews / Xiaman Wild Tepextate & Espadin

Review · · by The Editors

Xiaman Wild Tepextate & Espadin

An ensamble that lets tepextate share without overpowering

Score: 3.5/5 agaves

Xiaman Wild Tepextate & Espadin bottle
  • Producer: Xiaman Mezcal
  • Maestro: Daniel Hernandez
  • Region: San Tomás de Arriba, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Espadin, Tepextate
  • ABV: 44%
  • Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

Xiaman's tepextate-espadín ensamble is an honest way to meet tepextate without committing to a $200 single-agave bottle. The proof is a little soft for solo tepextate territory – we'd want 46%+ – but the espadín anchors it and the floral character still lands. Consensus 3.7 sits about right; Nuestra Soledad's ensambles go deeper at similar money.

Tepextate is usually the bottle's whole personality. Here it's a co-author

Tasting notes

Nose: Wet flowers, then green pepper, wet stone, cooked agave underneath

Palate: The tepextate contributing its wild-floral register while the espadín keeps the structure intact. Graceful rather than forceful; mid-weight at 44%

Finish: Dry, lightly floral. Stays medium-long

The bottom line

A graceful introduction to tepextate. Not the deepest one

Where to buy online

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