Banhez Joven Espadin & Barril Mezcal 750ML

Banhez Joven Espadin & Barril Mezcal 750ML is a small-batch Oaxacan mezcal blending 90% Espadin and 10% Barril agave, bottled at 42% ABV. It earned Double Gold and Best Mezcal honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017, distinguishing it as one of the strongest values in the artisanal mezcal category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 42%  |  Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico  |  Joven (Unaged)  |  Producer: Banhez Co-operative, San Miguel Ejutla

Production & Heritage

Banhez is produced by a co-operative of more than 36 families based in San Miguel Ejutla in the central valley of Oaxaca, following methods passed down for nearly two centuries. Agaves are roasted in underground wood-fired pits, crushed with donkey-pulled tahonas (traditional stone-wheel mills), fermented in wooden tanks, and distilled in small batches using copper alembic stills. The blend of 90% Espadin with 10% wild Barril agave adds uncommon complexity to what remains an accessibly priced joven expression, and the co-operative model ensures fair compensation for the mezcalero families involved.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Herbaceous and floral on first approach, opening into ripe tropical fruit — banana and pineapple — layered over a faint clay-like earthiness. A thread of light smoke lingers beneath the fruit without dominating.

Taste: The entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with pronounced banana and pineapple joined by citrus and a subtle vanilla sweetness at mid-palate. As it develops, black pepper emerges alongside cooked agave and a gentle smokiness. The Barril component contributes a green, slightly vegetal complexity that broadens the palate beyond typical Espadin-only mezcals.

Finish: Medium in length with a peppery warmth that trails into light smoke and earthy mineral tones. The tropical fruit recedes gradually, leaving a clean, dry close.

How to Drink Banhez Mezcal

Sipping neat at room temperature in a copita or wide-mouthed glass reveals the full aromatic range; a few drops of water can soften the pepper and amplify the fruit. Its versatile flavor profile also works exceptionally well in cocktails.

• Mezcal Paloma: The tropical fruit notes harmonize naturally with grapefruit soda and lime.
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned: The light smoke and peppery warmth stand up to agave syrup and mole bitters without overwhelming the drink.
• Mezcal Margarita: Banana and pineapple character adds unexpected depth alongside fresh citrus and orange liqueur.

Best For

• Introducing mezcal to friends who are curious but intimidated by heavy smoke
• Building a home mezcal cocktail program without breaking the budget
• Gifting someone interested in fair-trade, community-produced spirits
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Espadin blends to single-agave expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Banhez Mezcal taste like? Banhez Joven leads with tropical fruit — banana, pineapple, and citrus — balanced by black pepper, cooked agave, and a restrained smokiness. The 10% Barril agave adds a green, vegetal complexity that sets it apart from all-Espadin mezcals.

How does Banhez compare to Del Maguey VIDA Clásico? Both are joven Espadin-based mezcals positioned as approachable entry points, but Banhez blends in 10% Barril agave for added complexity, while VIDA is 100% Espadin with a more pronounced smoky character. Banhez also uses a co-operative production model involving 36-plus families, whereas Del Maguey sources from individual village producers.

Is Banhez Mezcal good for cocktails? Yes — its moderate smoke level, fruit-forward profile, and 42% ABV make it one of the more cocktail-friendly mezcals in its price range, working well in Palomas, Margaritas, and stirred drinks alike.

Where is Banhez Mezcal made? Banhez is produced in San Miguel Ejutla, located in the central valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. The co-operative of more than 36 mezcalero families distills in small batches using traditional pit-roasting and copper alembic methods.

What foods pair well with Banhez Mezcal? Grilled pineapple or mango, where the fruit echoes the mezcal's tropical character; mole negro, whose complex spice mirrors the pepper and smoke; fresh ceviche with citrus, which complements the bright agave notes; dark chocolate with chili, which amplifies the earthy warmth; and aged Oaxacan cheese, whose sharpness contrasts the fruit sweetness.

What sizes does Banhez Mezcal come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Banhez Mezcal worth the price? Banhez positions as an entry-level artisanal mezcal, and its Double Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggests it punches well above its price tier. For a traditionally produced, multi-agave blend at this value level, it represents strong quality relative to cost.

Why Banhez Mezcal?

The Double Gold and Best Mezcal win at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition is a concrete benchmark — that panel tasted hundreds of entries and singled this bottle out. The 90/10 Espadin-Barril blend is uncommon at this price point, where most producers bottle straight Espadin. Traditional production — pit-roasting, tahona milling, open-air wooden-tank fermentation, and copper pot distillation — delivers authenticity that mass-produced mezcals cannot replicate. And the co-operative structure, supporting more than 36 Oaxacan families who have practiced these methods for generations, gives this bottle a provenance story rooted in verifiable community economics rather than marketing narrative.