Banhez Mezcal Joven Espadín & Barril 750ml

Banhez has built its reputation on a genuinely thoughtful blend: 90% Espadín, the mezcal world's most widely cultivated agave, joined by 10% wild Barril, a tall, thick-foliaged variety traditionally used as living fencing to divide land across Oaxaca. That small but meaningful proportion of Barril gives this joven a real point of distinction from straight-Espadín mezcals — a subtle green, vegetal, earthy complexity layered underneath Espadín's naturally bright, tropical fruit character. The Liquor Barn's own copy calls the blend genuinely "uncommon at this price point, where most producers bottle straight Espadín."

The mezcal is produced by a cooperative of more than 35 families based in San Miguel Ejutla, in the central valley of Oaxaca, following methods passed down for nearly two centuries: agave roasted in underground wood-fired pits, crushed with donkey-pulled tahonas, fermented in wooden tanks, and distilled in small batches using copper alembic stills. The results earned genuine, independently judged recognition: Double Gold Medal and Best Mezcal at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — a real benchmark, since that panel tasted hundreds of entries before singling this bottle out.

Independent reviewers consistently praise this as a genuinely accessible, well-made entry point into mezcal. One Mezcal Reviews community member called it simply "my favorite cocktail mezcal," noting "the gasoline notes from the Espadín give it a nice edge — perfect for margaritas. Doesn't make me feel guilty at the low price point." Another found "the barril flavor (coppery, green vegetal, nail polish remover) actually comes through pretty nicely on this one, and blends well with the smoky fruitiness of the Espadín." The Seattle Spirits Society rated it 3.71 out of 5, ranking it 5th overall among mezcals they'd tasted, describing it as "smooth and smoky" and "deceptively silky," with one taster noting "nose is a little smokey with a bit of tar/asphalt and bandaids (sounds bad, but in a good way). The taste is bright and sharp, with pineapples and lemon." POCTLI's tasting found "roasted pineapple, with the woody goodness of the barril agave in the middle notes, finishing with a subtle floral note." The Liquor Barn's own detailed tasting confirms "herbaceous and floral on first approach, opening into ripe tropical fruit — banana and pineapple — layered over a faint clay-like earthiness," with "a thread of light smoke" lingering "beneath the fruit without dominating." This is genuinely well-priced, well-reviewed mezcal — mild and fruit-forward enough for first-time mezcal drinkers, with real enough character to satisfy more experienced palates too.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Banhez Mezcal Joven Espadín & Barril is produced by a cooperative of more than 35 families based in San Miguel Ejutla, in the central valley of Oaxaca, Mexico, committed to sustainable, fair-trade mezcal production carried out using methods passed down for nearly two centuries. The blend combines 90% Espadín with 10% wild Barril agave, a tall, thick-foliaged variety traditionally used as living fencing to divide agricultural land in Oaxaca.

Agaves are roasted in underground wood-fired pits, crushed using donkey-pulled tahonas, fermented in open-air wooden tanks, and distilled in small batches using copper alembic stills. The mezcal earned Double Gold Medal and Best Mezcal honors at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Bottled at 42% ABV / 84 proof, 750ml.

Critics Reviews

Double Gold Medal & Best Mezcal — San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2017

Seattle Spirits Society — 3.71/5 (ranked 5th of 27 mezcals tasted)

Mezcal Reviews community (extended review):
"This is my favorite cocktail mezcal. The gasoline notes from the espadín give it a nice edge. Perfect for margaritas. Doesn't make me feel guilty at the low price point."

Mezcal Reviews community (alternate review):
"A good cocktail mezcal. The barril flavor (coppery, green vegetal, nail polish remover) actually comes through pretty nicely on this one, and blends well with the smoky fruitiness of the espadin. I would suggest it's sort of indicative of what blends can be if we ever need to 'cut' other agave types with espadin due to sustainability."

Seattle Spirits Society (extended community review):
"Smooth and smoky. Deceptively silky mezcal. Yes please and thank you." A separate taster noted: "Nose is a little smokey with a bit of tar/asphalt and bandaids (sounds bad, but in a good way). The taste is bright and sharp, with pineapples and lemon. Finish is medium with good sweetness."

POCTLI (extended independent review):
"This mezcal has tasting notes of roasted pineapple, with the woody goodness of the barril agave in the middle notes, finishing with a subtle floral note on the nose."

The Liquor Barn (extended tasting note):
"Aroma: Herbaceous and floral on first approach, opening into ripe tropical fruit — banana and pineapple — layered over a faint clay-like earthiness. A thread of light smoke lingers beneath the fruit without dominating. Taste: The entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with pronounced banana and pineapple joined by citrus and a subtle vanilla sweetness at mid-palate."

Tasting Profile

Nose
Herbaceous and floral, opening into ripe tropical fruit — banana and pineapple — layered over faint clay-like earthiness, with a thread of light smoke.

Palate
Smooth and fruit-forward, with pronounced banana and pineapple joined by citrus and subtle vanilla sweetness, developing black pepper and a touch of green, vegetal character from the Barril component.

Finish
Medium, peppery, and mouthwatering, closing with good natural sweetness and lingering smoke.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Grilled or charred vegetables
• Ceviche and fresh seafood
• Tropical fruit-based dishes
• Citrus-forward appetizers

Cocktail Suggestions

Mezcal Margarita
2 oz Banhez Espadín & Barril · fresh lime juice · orange liqueur · agave syrup.

Paloma
2 oz Banhez Espadín & Barril · grapefruit soda · fresh lime.