Mal Bien Tigre makes a statement on the shelf with its bold, roaring tiger label. But does this 100% blue agave spirit from the lowlands of Jalisco roar as loudly in the glass?
The first whiff of the unaged expression reveals enticing aromas of fresh agave, sweet cooked fruit, black pepper, and hints of olive brine. On the palate, it leads with zippy citrus and green pepper notes backed by clean, vegetal agave flavors. There’s a pleasing oiliness to the medium-weight mouthfeel.
The black pepper spice builds with roasted agave flavors as it develops, giving it a slightly savory, almost meaty quality. The finish is fairly dry and mildly peppery with modest lingering agave sweetness.
While not quite as ferocious as the label imagery implies, the unaged Mal Bien Tigre offers a solid, easy-sipping agave-forward profile ideal for mixing into cocktails. Priced affordably, it makes a serviceable, well-agave spirit or an option for batched libations.
Mal Bien Tigre shows more ferocity in the aged expression, which has matured in ex-bourbon barrels for several years. Deep amber in color, it emits potent wafts of vanilla, caramel, and baking spices over core agave flavors.
On the palate, the aged expression is rich and dense, coating the mouth with waves of sweet vanilla, cinnamon, clove, and grilled agave dripping with buttery caramel sauce. The oak spice builds considerably on the finish, which showcases the interplay of vanilla, agave, and drying tannins.
The Mal Bien Tigre aged expression definitely brings more roar when sipping or used in premium aged agave cocktails. With concentrated agave and oak flavors, it provides excellent value.
While not necessarily transcendent or game-changing, Mal Bien Tigre offers quality craftsmanship and authentic agave character, especially in the aged expression. It’s a solid middle-tier agave spirit that fans can roar their approval for.
