400 Conejos Mezcal Tobala Joven 750ML

400 Conejos Mezcal Tobalá Joven 750ML is an Oaxacan joven mezcal bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format, blending Espadin and Tobalá agave. This expression earned a Platinum Medal at the 2023 Sip Awards and a Gold at the 2024 Global Spirits Masters, establishing itself among the more decorated mezcals in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico  |  Joven (Unaged)  |  Agave: Espadin & Tobalá Blend

Production & Heritage

400 Conejos is produced in Santiago Matatlan, a town in Oaxaca's Tlacolula district widely regarded as the world capital of mezcal. The brand draws on traditional methods: mature agave piñas are slow-roasted in underground stone pit ovens, crushed with a horse-drawn tahona, and fermented with native yeasts before copper pot distillation. While the label highlights Tobalá — Agave potatorum, a wild, small-cluster variety prized for floral intensity that can take up to 15 years to reach maturity — this expression is an ensemble, blending Tobalá with Espadin (Agave angustifolia) to create a more approachable and consistent profile.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright citrus and orange blossom before settling into mesquite smoke and a gentle fruitiness. There is an underlying earthiness characteristic of pit-roasted agave.

Taste: The entry is soft and full-bodied, with a sweet smokiness that moves into light cinnamon and herbal undertones at mid-palate. The Espadin component provides a familiar smoky backbone while the Tobalá contributes subtle fruit and a rounder texture.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish is balanced and smooth with lingering mesquite and faint sweetness. There is a gentle warmth rather than the sharp mineral bite found in higher-proof joven expressions.

How to Drink 400 Conejos Tobalá

Neat or with a single ice cube is the most rewarding approach, as the 40% ABV keeps things approachable without requiring dilution. The smooth, smoky character also makes it a versatile cocktail base.

• Mezcal Paloma: The citrus aromatics align naturally with grapefruit soda, amplifying the fruit notes while the smoke adds dimension.
• Oaxacan Old Fashioned: Split the base with a reposado tequila — the 400 Conejos brings campfire depth without overwhelming the drink.
• Mezcal Negroni: The sweet-smoky profile pairs well with Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth for a rich, layered variation.

Best For

• Introducing a tequila drinker to mezcal for the first time
• Building out a home mezcal collection with a Tobalá-influenced expression
• Mixing elevated mezcal cocktails at home without breaking the budget
• Gifting someone curious about artisanal Oaxacan spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 400 Conejos Tobalá taste like? It delivers a full-bodied, smoky profile with citrus, light cinnamon, and herbal undertones, finishing smooth and balanced. The Tobalá agave contributes a softer, slightly fruitier character than a pure Espadin mezcal.

How does 400 Conejos Tobalá compare to Dos Hombres Mezcal? Both are accessible Oaxacan joven mezcals at 40% ABV, but 400 Conejos Tobalá incorporates wild Tobalá agave alongside Espadin, giving it a rounder mouthfeel and additional fruit nuance. Dos Hombres uses 100% Espadin and tends toward a sharper, more straightforward smoke-forward profile.

Is 400 Conejos Tobalá good for sipping neat? Yes — its smooth texture and moderate 40% ABV make it one of the more approachable joven mezcals for neat sipping, particularly for drinkers transitioning from tequila.

Where is 400 Conejos Tobalá made? It is produced in Santiago Matatlan within the Tlacolula district of Oaxaca, Mexico, a region recognized as the heartland of mezcal production. Additional production takes place in the nearby community of Yautepec.

What foods pair well with 400 Conejos Tobalá? Grilled carne asada works well, as the charred meat mirrors the mezcal's smokiness. Mole negro complements the herbal and earthy notes, while fresh ceviche highlights the citrus aromatics. Aged Oaxacan cheese provides a creamy counterpoint to the smoke, and dark chocolate with chili amplifies the cinnamon and sweet agave undertones.

What sizes does 400 Conejos Tobalá come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is 400 Conejos Tobalá worth the price? It positions as an entry-level to mid-range mezcal that punches above its tier, particularly given the inclusion of Tobalá agave — a variety that typically commands significant premiums in single-varietal expressions. Multiple Gold and Platinum awards from international competitions support its standing as a strong value in the category.

Why 400 Conejos Tobalá?

What distinguishes this expression is its use of wild Tobalá agave — a variety that can take 15 years to mature and is typically reserved for premium, small-batch releases — blended with Espadin at a price point well below most Tobalá-focused mezcals. The traditional production chain, from underground pit roasting to tahona crushing and copper distillation, preserves the handmade character that defines artisanal Oaxacan mezcal. A Gold at the 2024 Global Spirits Masters and Platinum at the 2023 Sip Awards confirm that the quality translates beyond its accessible positioning. For anyone seeking a gateway into Tobalá-influenced mezcal without committing to the cost of a single-varietal bottling, this is a well-credentialed starting point.