Huaxe Papalometl

Verdict

Papalometl is one of the more elusive agaves in the mezcal world, and we had high hopes for this Mixteca Baja bottle. Unfortunately the distillate comes out dry and a little papery – the proof is there but the aromatic payload isn't. Skip in favor of the Ixcateco papalome below, which does the varietal genuine justice. Rare agave doesn't automatically mean serious bottle.

Tasting notes

Nose: Dry pepper, cardboard, hay, faint floral

Palate: 49% – the proof is there, but the distillate reads papery and thin, without the volatile complexity you'd expect from this rare agave

Finish: Dry, a little flat. Stays short

The bottom line

Dry and papery despite the 49%. Buy Ixcateco papalome instead