{"title":"Bozal","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"bozal-ensamble-mezcal-750ml","title":"Bozal Ensamble Mezcal 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBozal Ensamble Mezcal 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 47% ABV artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca blending Espadin, Barril, and Mexicano agave in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 90 points by \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e and a Gold Medal at the 2021 Bartender Spirits Awards, this ensamble stands out for its use of two wild-harvested maguey varieties alongside cultivated Espadin, producing a layered, smoke-forward spirit with striking complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 47% (94 proof)  |  Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico  |  NOM: 0472X  |  Style: Ensamble (Espadin, Barril, Mexicano)  |  Distillery: Produced by multiple mezcaleros in Miahuatlán and Etla regions\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBozal sources this ensamble from mezcaleros in two distinct towns — San Dionisio Ocotepec and Ejutla de Crespo — under the guidance of master distillers Marcelino Ortiz and Onofre Ortiz. The agave hearts are roasted in traditional earthen pit ovens before copper pot distillation, a method that deepens the smoky character without overwhelming the botanical nuance of each maguey variety. What makes this release particularly notable is that the Barril and Mexicano agaves are wild-harvested from the Oaxacan hillsides, while only the Espadin is cultivated. Because production rotates among three different mezcaleros — Fermin Garcia, Lucio Bautista, or Don Adrian Bautista — each lot carries subtle variations that reflect individual craft and terroir, an authenticity marker prized by serious mezcal drinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with vanilla frosting and green apple sweetness before shifting into eucalyptus and faint herbal undertones. A deeper sniff reveals allspice and pear, with a whisper of earthy soy-like umami rounding out the bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright with grapefruit and agave nectar, immediately giving way to a mid-palate that turns ashy and mineral-rich. Lime zest and stone fruit from the Barril agave emerge through the middle, while smoked cayenne pepper builds steadily on the back palate, adding a controlled heat that balances the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is warm and viscous, carrying a persistent minerality characteristic of the Mexicano agave. Green pepper and lingering smoke taper slowly, leaving a dry, earthy impression that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Bozal Ensamble\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis ensamble rewards slow sipping neat at room temperature, where the interplay of three agave varieties unfolds gradually. A few drops of water can soften the smoke and amplify the fruit and floral notes for those who prefer a gentler approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOaxaca Old Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The layered smoke and spice profile stands up beautifully to agave syrup and mole bitters without losing definition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMezcal Paloma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grapefruit soda mirrors the citrus notes already present on the palate, creating a cohesive, refreshing highball.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNaked \u0026amp; Famous:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 47% ABV and assertive character hold their own alongside Yellow Chartreuse and Aperol in this equal-parts cocktail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing an agave-curious whisky drinker to artisanal mezcal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a mezcal collection that represents authentic Oaxacan production\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a side-by-side tasting of ensamble versus single-varietal mezcals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a cocktail enthusiast who appreciates small-batch spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Bozal Ensamble taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bozal Ensamble delivers a concentrated smoky profile balanced by bright grapefruit, green apple, stone fruit, and a distinctive back-palate heat of smoked cayenne pepper. The Mexicano agave contributes a warm, mineral-driven finish that grounds the fruit-forward character of the Espadin and Barril.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Bozal Ensamble compare to Ilegal Mezcal Joven?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are accessible Oaxacan mezcals at similar price points, but Bozal Ensamble uses three agave varieties — two wild-harvested — while Ilegal Joven is a single-varietal Espadin expression. The result is a more layered and mineral-heavy profile in the Bozal compared to Ilegal's cleaner, citrus-driven simplicity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bozal Ensamble good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 47% ABV it carries enough proof to deliver full flavor without harshness, and the triple-agave blend reveals complexity that rewards patient, undiluted tasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Bozal Ensamble made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bozal Ensamble is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico, specifically in the towns of San Dionisio Ocotepec and Ejutla de Crespo within the Miahuatlán and Etla regions, by independent mezcaleros using traditional earthen pit roasting and copper pot distillation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Bozal Ensamble?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled carne asada benefits from the mezcal's smoke and spice echoing charred meat flavors. Fresh ceviche highlights the citrus and mineral notes. Mole negro mirrors the spirit's earthy complexity. Dark chocolate with chili amplifies the cayenne-pepper finish. Aged Oaxacan cheese provides a creamy counterpoint to the smoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Bozal Ensamble come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bozal Ensamble Mezcal is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bozal Ensamble worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bozal Ensamble positions as a mid-premium artisanal mezcal, and its use of two wild-harvested agave varieties, traditional production, and 90-point \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e rating place it firmly above mass-produced alternatives in its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Bozal Ensamble?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining differentiator here is provenance and variability — very few mezcals at this price point blend wild-harvested Barril and Mexicano with cultivated Espadin across multiple mezcaleros. That lot-to-lot variation is not a flaw; it is a hallmark of genuine artisanal production that large-batch competitors cannot replicate. The 90-point \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e score and 2021 Bartender Spirits Awards Gold Medal confirm that the quality is consistent even as individual lots shift in nuance. For anyone seeking an ensamble that honestly represents Oaxacan mezcal tradition at a reasonable price, Bozal delivers substance over marketing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bozal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837846384809,"sku":"9281","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Bozal-Ensamble-Mezcal__39770.jpg?v=1730497462"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/bozal.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}