PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The name Pelotón de la Muerte translates to "Squadron of Death" or "Death Squad," and it carries a genuinely dark, historically rooted story. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the Criollo Catholic priest widely regarded as the Father of the Nation and leader of the Mexican War of Independence, was executed and decapitated in 1811, his head displayed publicly as a warning. In response, an ad-hoc army called the Pelotón de la Muerte formed to avenge his death, flying a banner known as "The Doliente Hidalgo" — that same flag, with its red representing the leader's blood, its black cross mourning the priest, and its bones honoring his remains, now adorns every bottle of this mezcal.
This is a sub-brand of Mezcales de Leyenda, the artisanal mezcal project founded by Danny Mena, who opened Mexico City's first bar dedicated exclusively to artisanal mezcal back in 2005, followed by "Hecho en Dumbo" in New York in 2007 — a natural progression from serving these spirits to independently bottling the ones he loved most. Made from 100% Espadín agave, produced by Cutberto Santiago, a third-generation mezcalero, the agave is slow-roasted for five full days in a conical pit lined with volcanic lava rock, then crushed using a traditional stone tahona, before undergoing four days of open-air fermentation and double distillation in small-batch, 200-liter copper pot stills — all carried out in an artisanal distillery straddling Tlacolula and Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca.
Independent reception across Mezcal Reviews' community is genuinely honest and wide-ranging. One reviewer found notes of "kiwi fruit, lemon zest, dried peppercorn, agave, and soft smoke," calling it "like drinking limoncello with a hint of ash and agave. Not the most interesting mezcal, but thoroughly enjoyable, especially for the price." Another found it "really nice and smoky," reminiscent "of an Islay Scotch," with "some nice citrusy notes too." A third was considerably more critical: "so-so entry level espadin... killer start, bit of a rough finish." One taster was outright negative, calling it "not vaguely nice of any quality which I like about mezcal." Master of Malt's tasting found "aromatic wood smoke, followed by sweeter notes of green fruits — think grapes and kiwis." Flaviar's own description calls it "as authentic as you can get, with an earthy, vegetative profile." This is genuine, small-batch Oaxacan mezcal artesanal — built with the cocktail scene specifically in mind, and reception genuinely varies from reviewer to reviewer, which is honestly part of the character of a truly artisanal, batch-variable spirit.
Pelotón de la Muerte Mezcal Artesanal Joven Espadín is a sub-brand of Mezcales de Leyenda, founded by Danny Mena, who opened Mexico City's first dedicated artisanal mezcal bar in 2005, followed by "Hecho en Dumbo" in New York in 2007. The mezcal is produced by Cutberto Santiago, a third-generation mezcalero, using 100% Espadín agave.
The agave hearts are cooked for five days in a conical pit lined with volcanic lava rock, then crushed using a traditional stone tahona, followed by four days of open-air, natural fermentation. The mash is double distilled in small-batch, 200-liter copper pot stills, entirely within an artisanal distillery in the Tlacolula and Santiago Matatlán region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Bottled ABV is reported as either 41% or 47.5% (95 proof) depending on the source.
No formal numerical critic score is confirmed for this product at this time.
Mezcal Reviews (extended independent review):
"Pelotón de la Muerte Espadin has notes of kiwi fruit, lemon zest, dried peppercorn, agave, and soft smoke. This was like drinking limoncello with a hint of ash and agave. Not the most interesting mezcal, but thoroughly enjoyable, especially for the price. It would make a nice mixer or dessert drink."
Mezcal Reviews community (alternate review, Lote 06CU70519):
"Really nice and smoky. Reminds me a bit of an Islay Scotch. Some nice citrusy notes too."
Mezcal Reviews community (alternate review, Lote 16CU71118):
"Nose: Smoky, metallic vapor. A hint of lemon citrus sour. Palate: Smooth creamy orange icing. Vapory ethanol and cigarette aftertaste. Killer start, bit of a rough finish. So-so entry level espadin."
Nose
Aromatic wood smoke leads, joined by kiwi fruit, lemon zest, and green grape-like sweetness, alongside dried peppercorn and roasted agave.
Palate
Smooth and citrus-forward, with soft smoke and agave carrying the entry, developing white pepper and gentle spice. Reception varies — some tastings find genuine complexity, others a more straightforward, entry-level profile.
Finish
Ranges from balanced and smoky to slightly rough per some reviewers, closing with lingering citrus and soft ash character.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Mezcal Joven — Single Agave (Espadín) |
| ABV | 41% or 47.5%/95 proof (varies by source) |
| Agave | 100% Espadín |
| Cooking | 5 days, lava-rock-lined conical pit |
| Crushing | Traditional stone tahona |
| Fermentation | Open-air, natural, 4 days |
| Distillation | Double distilled, 200L copper pot stills |
| Region | Tlacolula & Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico |
| Mezcalero | Cutberto Santiago (3rd generation) |
| Parent Brand | Mezcales de Leyenda, founded by Danny Mena |
| Sister Expressions | Pelotón de la Muerte Criollo, Pechuga |
| Name Meaning | "Squadron of Death" — honors the avengers of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla |
| Style / Identity | Genuine, small-batch Oaxacan mezcal artesanal, built for cocktails — reception varies batch to batch |
| Aromas & Flavors | Kiwi, lemon zest, dried peppercorn, roasted agave, soft smoke |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Paloma — a specifically recommended pairing per multiple retailers.
Mezcal Sour
2 oz Pelotón de la Muerte Espadín · fresh lime juice · simple syrup.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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