Bozal Mezcal Borrego Sacrificio Ensamble 750ml

Pechuga mezcal is already a genuinely distinctive tradition — suspending a raw chicken breast inside the still during a final distillation, letting its fat and protein interact with rising vapor to add real richness and body. Bozal's Borrego Sacrificio takes that same core idea and pushes it considerably further: rather than chicken, an entire leg of lamb is suspended in a basket during the second distillation, alongside seasonal wild fruits and grains sourced directly from the local market — strawberries, apples, pineapple, pecans, and ginger among them. The name itself, "Sacrificio," nods directly to the genuine dedication and craftsmanship this unusual, labor-intensive process demands.

This is a limited-release expression built from wild agave — sources describe the blend as including Espadín, Barril, and in some accounts Castilla or Tobalá, reflecting Bozal's broader philosophy of drawing from whatever wild, indigenous agave varieties grow naturally across the steep, precarious hillsides of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Barril, one confirmed component, is a thick-foliaged wild agave taking nine to twelve years to mature, often used historically as living fencing to divide land in Oaxaca — a genuinely rustic, functional agave now finding new purpose in this mezcal.

Mezcal Reviews' detailed independent tasting of lot 00521 found "much lime zest" on the nose, "with a savory and gamey background with faint spices... but the citrus dominates," developing on the palate into "viscous mouthfeel, cinnamon, mid-palate minerals and anise, back-palate white pepper," closing with "a smoked BBQ" character. Bitters & Bottles' extended tasting describes "a dry mineral base" offset "nicely with an abundance of fruit, herbaceous notes, and nuttiness," with "a viscous entry" coating "the mouth leading to a fruit-forward mid-palate with a subtle sweetness that shines with bright citrus and persimmons," the finish "smooth with flavors of smoked lamb." Liquor Geeks' tasting adds "mocha and fresh mint" alongside "a hint of pepper," describing these "nuanced flavor elements" as adding "depth and sophistication," closing with "a remarkably smooth finish" where "subtle hints of smoke linger." This is genuinely one of the most distinctive, labor-intensive mezcals available — a real showcase of just how far the pechuga tradition can be pushed while staying true to its roots.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Bozal Mezcal Borrego Sacrificio is a limited-release Ensamble made from a blend of wild agave varieties grown across the steep hillsides of Oaxaca and Guerrero, including Espadín and Barril. Production follows a genuine twist on traditional pechuga mezcal: during the second distillation, a whole leg of lamb is suspended in a basket inside the still, alongside seasonal wild fruits and grains sourced from the local market — strawberries, apples, and pineapple among the fruits, complemented by pecans and ginger.

Bozal was acquired in November 2024 and now operates under Mexican ownership through Maguey Spirits, continuing the brand's original commitment to small-batch, artisan, handmade mezcal, using agave roasted in earthen pits and distilled in traditional copper stills. Bottled at 48% ABV / 96 proof, 750ml.

Critics Reviews

No formal numerical critic score is confirmed for this product at this time.

Mezcal Reviews (extended independent review, Lot 00521, NOM 0472X):
"Nose: Much lime zest. There is a savory and gamey background with faint spices... but the citrus dominates for me. Palate: Viscous mouthfeel, cinnamon, mid-palate minerals and anise, back-palate white pepper. A smoked bbq."

Agave Intelligence (summarized community consensus):
"Aromas frequently highlight lime, pineapple, savory meat, and sometimes mineral or spice. On the palate, common flavors are cinnamon, pepper, smoked notes, citrus, and savory elements, often with herbal, vanilla, or mineral accents. The spirit is noted for its viscous and smooth mouthfeel. Overall, it is generally regarded as a well-balanced, unique, and enjoyable drink."

Tasting Profile

Nose
Lime zest and citrus dominate, with a savory, gamey background and faint spices, alongside pineapple and savory meat.

Palate
Viscous and full, with cinnamon and mineral character leading, developing anise, white pepper, mocha, fresh mint, and bright citrus, balanced by persimmon-like fruit sweetness and genuine nuttiness.

Finish
Smooth and lingering, closing with smoked lamb and subtle smoke — a genuinely savory, distinctive close reflecting the mezcal's unusual pechuga-style production.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Barbacoa, mole, and grilled meats
• Smoked or roasted lamb
• Aged cheeses
• Dried fruit and nut boards

Serving Note

Best enjoyed neat, in a copita or small tasting glass, to fully appreciate its genuine savory, meaty complexity.