Mal Bien Papalote Reposado en Vidrio from Don Refugio Calzada Hernandez was produced in the community of Chilapa de Alvarez, Guerrero.
About this destilado de agave
Mal Bien Papalote Reposado en Vidrio from Don Refugio Calzada Hernandez was produced in the community of Chilapa de Alvarez, Guerrero. Don Cuco, as he’s known to friends, was the president of a local association of mezcaleros and magueyeros (agave farmers) for many years, and has been a leading force behind popular agave and tree reforestation efforts that have helped make agave more plentiful today than in his youth.
Though he works almost exclusively with maguey papalote, Don Cuco’s bodega is home to a diverse collection of joven, capón and glass aged spirits, as well as a few special batches macerated with chumilin (Atizies taxcoensis), a local stink bug considered a seasonal delicacy.
Batch 0318RC was Reposado en Vidrio for nearly three years before being bottled.
Mal Bien
Since 2016, the Mal Bien team has been traveling Mexico, driving off the map and into mountains filled with treacherous roads, police officers of questionable moral character, feral dogs, indigenous languages, narcos, ancient relics, machete wielding protestors, insect based meals, mudslides, blockades, corrupt politicians, and many of the world’s kindest, funniest, most brilliant people. In addition to some hard to believe stories, they’ve connected with a wide variety of traditional producers, whose mezcal is now bottled and exported under the Mal Bien name.
Review this bottle
Login or create an account to add your tasting notes
jmehrk35
46 reviews0318RC
46.5% ABV
Initial nasal impact is warming. Aroma of grapefruit, guava and papaya with some new leather. Mouth feel has a coating warmth to it. Medium to full body with generous alcohol and initially sour/sweet. The grapefruit carries through on the flavor along with a Starbucks cold Frappuccino coffee drink. Some honeysuckle and herbal notes on the retro nasal. There is the presence of heat on the back end that lingers on the tongue, but not overwhelming during a long finish. Slightly complex character, correct balance. Very pleasant aftertaste. Another enjoyable bottle from Mal Bien
0318RC
46.5% ABV
Initial nasal impact is warming. Aroma of grapefruit, guava and papaya with some new leather. Mouth feel has a coating warmth to it. Medium to full body with generous alcohol and initially sour/sweet. The grapefruit carries through on the flavor along with a Starbucks cold Frappuccino coffee drink. Some honeysuckle and herbal notes on the retro nasal. There is the presence of heat on the back end that lingers on the tongue, but not overwhelming during a long finish. Slightly com
HighWine
77 reviewsBatch 0318RC
Aroma of cactus, poached pears, crayon wax, and softwood smoke. Taste is very minerally with essence of underripe cantaloupe, parsley, and mint. Full in the mouth. Gets even better after the bottle has been open a few weeks. The exposure to air seems to open it up very nicely. Really enjoying this.
COak
234 reviewsBatch 0318RC. Beautiful nose on this, smells like a rainforest and fresh coffee. Tastes of dark fruits, creamy coffee. Loving these Guerrero releases. If you like this you need to try the Gutierrez en vidrio it’s a notch above.
Jonny
717 reviewsAromas of apple cider, leather, coffee, and cashew fruit. The palate has a pinch of ash with fresh tobacco, leather, overripe grapefruit, and overripe papaya. There’s a bit of heat on the back of the palate, but otherwise really enjoyable. This is a Guerrero release that I could easily reach for regularly. Great stuff.
Rakhal
424 reviewsThese black label expressions are crazy good! This one is leather, drying tobacco leaves, thyme, and coffee ice cream. Delicious.