400 Conejos Mezcal Cuishe Joven 750ML

400 Conejos Mezcal Cuishe Joven 750ML is a dual-agave Oaxacan joven mezcal bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format. Named Best Young Mezcal of the Year at the 2020 Goddess Mayahuel Awards, this expression stands apart by blending agave Espadín and agave Cuishe — a combination that produces layered smoke, fruit, and mineral character uncommon at this price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico  |  Joven (Unaged)  |  Producer: Casa Cuervo

Production & Heritage

400 Conejos — meaning "400 Rabbits," a reference to the Aztec legend of the 400 rabbit gods of pulque and intoxication — is produced under the Casa Cuervo umbrella, the storied Mexican spirits house founded in 1758. The agaves for this Cuishe expression are sourced from the Tlacolula and Miahuatlán districts of Oaxaca, where both Angustifolia (Espadín) and Karwinskii (Cuishe) varieties are slow-roasted in traditional cone-shaped wood-fired ovens before milling and fermentation. While many entry-level mezcals rely on Espadín alone, this bottling adds Cuishe — a wild, elongated agave known for its herbaceous minerality — creating a more complex spirit without barrel aging.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clean campfire smoke greets the nose first, followed by ripe plum, dark cherry, and hibiscus florals. A second pass reveals dried herbs and a subtle undercurrent of wood ash.

Taste: The entry is gently sweet with cooked agave and citrus peel, expanding at mid-palate into earthy herbal tones and a distinct mineral edge contributed by the Cuishe agave. Floral notes weave through the smoke, keeping the profile bright rather than heavy.

Finish: Medium in length with a smooth, slightly dry texture. Lingering traces of firewood smoke, minerality, and faint hibiscus carry through to the close.

How to Drink 400 Conejos Cuishe

Sipping neat or with a single ice cube lets the Espadín-Cuishe interplay come through cleanly; a few drops of water can further open up the floral aromatics. This joven also works well in cocktails that benefit from smoky-floral depth. A Mezcal Paloma pairs the smoke with grapefruit and lime for an effervescent match. A Oaxacan Old Fashioned (splitting the base with reposado tequila) highlights the mineral and herbal layers. A Mezcal Margarita trades the usual bright agave character for a smokier, more complex riff on the classic.

Best For

• Introducing mezcal-curious drinkers to dual-agave complexity
• Building a home mezcal flight alongside single-varietal expressions
• Gifting a cocktail enthusiast who wants a versatile, award-winning mezcal
• Hosting a Mexican-cuisine dinner party with a smoky agave pairing

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 400 Conejos Cuishe taste like? It delivers a balanced profile of campfire smoke, cooked agave sweetness, citrus, and dried herbs, with a mineral backbone from the Cuishe agave that keeps the palate fresh and dry.

How does 400 Conejos Cuishe compare to Del Maguey VIDA Clásico? Del Maguey VIDA is a single-varietal 100% Espadín mezcal, whereas 400 Conejos Cuishe blends Espadín with Cuishe for added herbal minerality and aromatic complexity. Both sit in a similar accessible price range, but the dual-agave approach here gives it a broader flavor spectrum.

Is 400 Conejos Cuishe good for cocktails? Yes — at 40% ABV it integrates easily into shaken and stirred drinks, and the smoky-floral character holds up well against citrus, agave syrup, and bitter modifiers without overpowering them.

Where is 400 Conejos Cuishe made? It is produced in the Tlacolula and Miahuatlán districts of Oaxaca, Mexico, under the Casa Cuervo portfolio, using traditional cone-shaped wood-fired ovens for agave roasting.

What foods pair well with 400 Conejos Cuishe? Grilled carne asada benefits from the matching smokiness. Mole negro echoes the herbal and earthy tones. Fresh ceviche contrasts the smoke with bright acidity. Oaxacan string cheese (quesillo) provides a mild, creamy counterpoint. Dark chocolate with chili amplifies the agave sweetness and spice.

What sizes does 400 Conejos Cuishe come in? The standard widely available format is 750ml.

Is 400 Conejos Cuishe worth the price? It positions as an accessible, entry-to-mid-level mezcal that punches above its weight — the dual-agave blend and Goddess Mayahuel award place it among the stronger values in the category for drinkers seeking complexity without a premium-tier investment.

Why 400 Conejos Cuishe?

Most mezcals in this price range are straightforward Espadín-only spirits. The Cuishe Joven breaks that mold by incorporating agave Karwinskii, a variety that introduces mineral and herbal dimensions typically found in higher-end, single-varietal Cuishe bottles. That dual-agave construction earned it Best Young Mezcal of the Year at the 2020 Goddess Mayahuel Awards, one of Mexico's most respected agave-spirits competitions. Backed by Casa Cuervo's production infrastructure and Oaxaca's traditional roasting methods, it delivers genuine terroir-driven complexity in an approachable, everyday format.