Palomas Mensajeras Mexicano

Verdict

Put this Palomas Mensajeras Michoacán mexicano next to Palenqueros' Oaxaca mexicano and the conversation writes itself, same species, two climates, two bottles that taste like two places. Reach for it in a terroir-focused flight rather than as a first mexicano, and appreciate how much geography still matters in a single-species bottle.

Tasting notes

Nose: Cooked agave, then dark fig, earth, a mineral top

Palate: 48% of mexicano from Michoacán rather than Oaxaca, the species' characteristic density is intact, but the climate shows up as a drier, more austere fruit register

Finish: Earthy, warming

The bottom line

Reach for it in a terroir flight against an Oaxaca mexicano

Where to buy online

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

• Old Town Tequila – $115
• Saratoga Wine – $97