Montelobos Joven Mezcal 750ML

Montelobos Joven Mezcal 750ML is a 100% organic Espadín mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico, bottled at 43.2% ABV (86.4 proof). Awarded Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards, this traditionally produced joven stands apart through its full-chain artisanal process — underground pit roasting, stone tahona milling, wild fermentation, and copper-pot distillation — all using certified organic agave.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43.2%  |  Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico  |  Joven (Unaged)  |  Distillery: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca

Production & Heritage

Montelobos is the creation of Iván Saldaña, an agave biologist whose scientific background shapes every stage of production. The certified organic Espadín agave piñas are roasted underground in volcanic stone pits for five days, then crushed using a traditional cantera stone tahona pulled by a mule named Rambo — whom Saldaña has called "the second most important source of energy after the wood we use to cook the piñas." The crushed agave is wild-fermented in open-air pine vats for up to seven days before being twice distilled in firewood-heated copper pot stills. This combination of organic certification and fully traditional methods sets Montelobos apart from many industrial-scale mezcals in its price range.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Damp earth and freshly cut grass open the nose, followed by honeyed citrus and subtle wisps of wood smoke. As the spirit breathes, a faint brininess and smoked-meat character emerge alongside green asparagus notes.

Taste: The entry is green and vegetal, with cooked agave and asparagus giving way to a mid-palate of lemon zest, roasted nuts, and grilled rosemary. A measured smokiness and persistent salinity keep the profile grounded, while floral and herbal currents add complexity through the peak.

Finish: Medium-long with lingering ash, floral undertones, and a clean herbal fade. The balance between smoke and citrus brightness holds steady through the close.

How to Drink Montelobos Joven

Sipping neat or with a single ice cube allows the full spectrum of smoke, citrus, and herbal character to unfold at its own pace. A few drops of water can further open up the floral notes. For cocktails, try it in a Mezcal Margarita, where the smoky backbone pairs naturally with fresh lime and agave syrup; an Oaxaca Old Fashioned, where it complements reposado tequila and mole bitters with earthy depth; or a Mezcal Paloma, where grapefruit soda amplifies its citrus and saline qualities.

Best For

• Introducing a friend to traditionally made artisanal mezcal
• Building a mezcal-focused home bar with a versatile organic expression
• Mixing smoke-driven cocktails at a dinner party
• Gifting an agave spirits enthusiast something with genuine provenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Montelobos Joven taste like? Montelobos Joven balances smoky roasted agave with green herbs, lemon zest, and a subtle salinity. Nutty and earthy undertones add depth without overwhelming the palate.

How does Montelobos Joven compare to Del Maguey Vida? Both are widely available Espadín-based joven mezcals from Oaxaca and serve as common entry points into the category. Montelobos leans more herbaceous and citrus-forward with organic certification, while Del Maguey Vida tends toward a bolder, more overtly smoky character.

Is Montelobos Joven good for cocktails? Montelobos Joven is an excellent cocktail mezcal thanks to its balanced smokiness and bright citrus-herbal profile, which integrate well without dominating other ingredients. It performs particularly well in Mezcal Margaritas and Oaxaca Old Fashioneds.

Where is Montelobos Joven made? Montelobos Joven is produced in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico — a town widely recognized as the mezcal capital of the world. Production follows traditional Oaxacan methods including underground pit roasting and cantera stone tahona milling.

What foods pair well with Montelobos Joven? Grilled shrimp or ceviche complement its briny, citrus notes. Mole negro mirrors its earthy smokiness. Aged cheeses like Oaxacan quesillo or manchego balance its herbal character. Dark chocolate with chili highlights the spirit's subtle heat and roasted agave sweetness. Charred corn dishes like elote echo the roasted quality of the pit-cooked agave.

What sizes does Montelobos Joven come in? Montelobos Joven is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Montelobos Joven worth the price? Montelobos Joven positions as a mid-range mezcal that punches above its price tier, offering organic certification, traditional tahona production, and Double Platinum recognition at the ASCOT Awards — features more commonly associated with higher-priced artisanal expressions.

Why Montelobos Joven?

Few mezcals at this price point combine certified organic agave with a fully traditional production chain — from five-day underground pit roasting to tahona milling by a working mule, wild fermentation in open pine vats, and double distillation in copper pots over firewood. The Double Platinum honor at the ASCOT Awards validates what the liquid delivers: a layered, well-balanced joven equally at home neat or in cocktails. Iván Saldaña's background in agave biology gives Montelobos a scientific precision rare among artisanal mezcal producers, ensuring consistency without sacrificing character. This is a bottle that earns its place as a foundational mezcal in any serious spirits collection.