Aguafuerte Joven

Verdict

The consensus 5.0 feels slightly enthusiastic but not wrong – this is genuinely excellent Guerrero mezcal at a working price. Papalote at 43% shouldn't work, the agave typically demands 46%+ for the wildflower-mineral character to develop, but Aguafuerte's production delivers the agave cleanly at the lower proof, which is a producer discipline story more than a proof story. A second bottle isn't a bad call. Reading at 4.5.

Tasting notes

Nose: Wildflower – then warm earth, dry herb, hot stone

Palate: Lean and aromatic, papalote's character intact at what should be too-low proof

Finish: Cooling, mineral. Very long

The bottom line

A second bottle isn't a bad call