PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Barril agave has a genuinely unusual second life in Oaxacan agriculture before it ever becomes mezcal — this tall, thick-foliaged wild agave is traditionally used as living fencing, planted directly along property lines to divide land between neighbors. Only after 15 to 20 years of that patient, dual-purpose growth does it become the base for this expression, part of Bozal's broader commitment to celebrating wild, indigenous agave varieties from the steep, precarious hillsides of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Durango.
This Reserva is distilled in Santa Catarina Minas, a town genuinely famous within the mezcal world for its tradition of distilling exclusively in small clay pots — a technique distinct from the copper stills more commonly used elsewhere in Oaxaca, and one widely credited with imparting a lighter, more mineral-driven character to the finished spirit. Production follows Bozal's broader artisanal philosophy throughout: open-air fermentation using natural wild yeast, in clay or wood vessels, before final distillation.
Reception among independent tasters is genuinely honest and worth sharing directly. Mezcal Reviews' detailed tasting found "crisp agave notes like vegetation and grass," with "tons of mint leaf, and some green tea leaf," noting it's "light smelling for a clay pot," the palate showing "fragrant herbs" — "mint leaves, green tea leaves, other fresh tea flavours, rosemary, lime, pine, peppercorn," with sweetness "sugary like maybe a mild simple syrup." The reviewer was candid about mixed feelings: "I absolutely love the flavour profile because I love Karwinskiis, but on the other hand, it's just not rich enough in its presentation. For a clay pot still, its quite disappointingly light instead of oily and flavourful." Keg N Bottle's official tasting notes describe "herbaceous and spicy" aromatics "with notes of forest grass and anise flower," a "slight sweetness" evident "on the unctuous palate with flavors of agave, honey and river stone, finishing with a floral aftertaste." Compass Wines' tasting adds "citrus and floral notes" with "hints of green peppers," the palate "a delightful balance of citrus and creamy banana." This is genuinely distinctive single-agave mezcal — light and herbaceous rather than heavy and oily, a real showcase of Barril's own specific character and Santa Catarina Minas' signature clay-pot style.
Bozal Mezcal Barril Reserva is made from 100% wild Barril agave (Agave Karwinskii), a tall, thick-foliaged variety traditionally used as living fencing to divide agricultural land in Oaxaca, matured 15 to 20 years before harvest. The mezcal is produced in Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca, a town celebrated for its tradition of distilling exclusively in small clay pots rather than copper stills.
Production follows Bozal's traditional, artisanal methods: open-air fermentation using natural wild yeast in clay or wood vessels, followed by clay-pot distillation. Bozal was acquired in November 2024 and now operates under Mexican ownership through Maguey Spirits. Bottled at 47% ABV / 94 proof, 750ml.
No formal numerical critic score is confirmed for this product at this time.
Mezcal Reviews (extended independent review, Lot 00219):
"Nose: Crisp agave notes like vegetation and grass. Tons of mint leaf, and some green tea leaf. Light smelling for a clay pot. Palate: Fragrant herbs takeover like mint leaves, green tea leaves, other fresh tea flavours, rosemary, lime, pine, peppercorn, maybe even some slight cilantro. The sweetness on here is sugary like maybe a mild simple syrup. Overall: I am torn on this: on the one hand, I absolutely love the flavour profile because I love Karwinskiis, but on the other hand, its just not rich enough in its presentation. For a clay pot still, its quite disappointingly light instead of oily and flavourful. And perhaps that's just Barril or perhaps that's just Bozal."
Keg N Bottle (official tasting note):
"The aromatics are herbaceous and spicy with notes of forest grass and anise flower. A slight sweetness is evident on the unctuous palate with flavors of agave, honey and river stone, finishing with a floral aftertaste."
Compass Wines / Mission Wine & Spirits (official tasting note):
"This thick-foliaged, wild agave, often used as fencing to divide land in Oaxaca, intensifies the complexity of this mezcal. As citrus and floral notes arise, hints of green peppers compliment the nose. The palate is a delightful balance of citrus and creamy banana."
ForWhiskeyLovers.com (extended tasting note):
"Delicate hints of smoke intertwine with earthy undertones, while notes of roasted agave and citrus provide a balanced sweetness. Each sip reveals layers of depth and character, inviting exploration and appreciation."
Nose
Crisp, vegetal agave notes lead, with mint leaf and green tea, alongside citrus, floral character, and hints of green pepper.
Palate
Fragrant herbs carry through — mint, green tea, rosemary, and lime — joined by pine, peppercorn, and a mild, sugary sweetness, alongside citrus and creamy banana.
Finish
Unctuous and floral, closing with river stone minerality and honey — light and herbaceous rather than heavy or oily.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Mezcal Joven — Single Agave (Wild) |
| ABV / Proof | 47% ABV / 94 Proof |
| Agave | 100% wild Barril (Agave Karwinskii), matured 15-20 years |
| Region | Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca, Mexico |
| Fermentation | Open-air, natural wild yeast |
| Distillation | Small clay pots (Santa Catarina Minas signature method) |
| Producer | Mezcal Bozal (Maguey Spirits, since November 2024) |
| Style / Identity | A light, herbaceous single-agave mezcal — genuinely distinct from richer, oilier clay-pot expressions |
| Aromas & Flavors | Mint, green tea, anise, citrus, roasted agave, honey |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Best enjoyed neat, in a copita or small tasting glass, or on the rocks.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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