Koch Artesanal Tobala

Verdict

Koch's tobalá is the largest-volume serious tobalá many drinkers will encounter in the US, and it performs that role honestly. It's a lighter reading of the agave than Real Minero, Lalocura, or Gusto Histórico's Juárez tobalá, but it's recognizable and not cheapened. Buy as an entry to the varietal; trade up once you know what you like.

Tasting notes

Nose: Honey with green melon, faint stone

Palate: Sits in the mid-40s proof range; clean, light, sweet-leaning tobalá with the varietal's classic floral top, though missing the mid-palate concentration of smaller-batch versions

Finish: Floral, clean – medium

The bottom line

Buy as an intro tobalá; graduate later