Xicala Joven Espadin Mezcal 750ML

Xicala Joven Espadin Mezcal 750ML is a 43% ABV artisanal mezcal made from 100% Espadin agave in Oaxaca's Tlacolula Valley. Awarded 94 points and a "Best Buy" designation by Wine Enthusiast, this joven expression stands out for its traditional tahona-crushed production — a mule-drawn stone mill method that many distillers have abandoned in favor of modern machinery.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 Proof)  |  Origin: Tlacolula Valley, Oaxaca, Mexico  |  Joven (Unaged)  |  Distillery: Destilería Tlacolula (NOM-O01X)

Production & Heritage

Xicala Joven is produced at Destilería Tlacolula, located in one of Oaxaca's most celebrated mezcal-producing valleys. Espadin agave hearts are slow-roasted in an underground earthen pit, then crushed using a traditional tahona — a large stone wheel pulled by a mule — before fermentation and distillation. This labor-intensive process yields a spirit with a rounder, more textured mouthfeel than mechanically milled alternatives, preserving nuances that connect directly to the region's mezcal-making heritage.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with delicate sweetness and citrus before unfolding into floral notes of rose petal. A peppery undertone and wisps of smoke linger underneath, adding complexity without heaviness.

Taste: The palate enters light-bodied with grilled pineapple and tropical fruit, moving into rich, round cooked agave at mid-palate. Sweet potato, spiced chestnut honey, and a thread of minerality build depth as herbal and vegetal tones emerge.

Finish: The finish is notably long, driven by smoked peppercorns, bell pepper, and torched sage that create a savory, vegetal exhale. A gentle warmth carries the pepper and herb notes well after the last sip fades.

How to Drink Xicala Joven

Sipping neat at room temperature is the ideal way to experience the full spectrum of pit-roasted agave, smoke, and pepper. A few drops of water can open up the floral and tropical fruit qualities. For cocktails, Xicala Joven works exceptionally well in these three builds:

• Mezcal Paloma — The grilled pineapple and pepper notes amplify grapefruit soda without being overpowered.
• Oaxacan Old Fashioned — Its round agave sweetness and smoky complexity pair beautifully with aged tequila and mole bitters in this modern classic.
• Mezcal Negroni — The herbal, vegetal character complements Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth's spice.

Best For

• Introducing a mezcal-curious friend to artisanal, traditionally produced spirits
• Building a home bar with a versatile, cocktail-friendly mezcal
• Gifting an agave spirits enthusiast a critically acclaimed bottle
• Side-by-side tastings comparing tahona-crushed versus mechanically milled mezcals

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Xicala Joven taste like? Xicala Joven delivers grilled pineapple, rose petal, and cooked agave sweetness balanced by smoked peppercorns, herbs, and a long peppery finish. It is light-bodied with round minerality and vegetal undertones of bell pepper and sage.

How does Xicala Joven compare to El Padrino de mi Tierra Espadín? Both are joven Espadin mezcals from Oaxaca, but Xicala Joven scored 94 points from Wine Enthusiast compared to El Padrino de mi Tierra's 90 points from the same publication. Xicala's tahona-crushed production tends to produce a rounder, more textured mouthfeel than mechanically processed alternatives.

Is Xicala Joven good for cocktails? Yes — its 43% ABV provides enough backbone to stand up in mixed drinks, while its balanced smoke and peppery profile enhance rather than dominate cocktail ingredients. It is particularly effective in a Mezcal Paloma or Oaxacan Old Fashioned.

Where is Xicala Joven made? Xicala Joven is distilled at Destilería Tlacolula (NOM-O01X) in the Valley of Tlacolula, Oaxaca, Mexico. Tlacolula is one of Oaxaca's historic mezcal-producing regions, known for its mineral-rich soil and long tradition of pit-roasted agave distillation.

What foods pair well with Xicala Joven? Grilled shrimp with lime — the smoke and citrus mirror each other. Mole negro — the pepper and roasted agave complement the sauce's deep complexity. Fresh ceviche — acidity and tropical fruit notes align naturally. Aged Oaxacan cheese — its salty, crumbly texture contrasts the mezcal's sweetness. Dark chocolate with chili — echoes the peppery, slightly sweet finish.

What sizes does Xicala Joven come in? Xicala Joven Espadin Mezcal is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Xicala Joven worth the price? Xicala Joven positions as a strong value within the artisanal mezcal category, reinforced by its Wine Enthusiast "Best Buy" designation alongside a 94-point score. For a tahona-crushed, pit-roasted Espadin mezcal, it delivers quality well above its price tier.

Why Xicala Joven?

The combination of a 94-point Wine Enthusiast score and a "Best Buy" tag is rare in the artisanal mezcal space, signaling quality that outperforms its cost. Its tahona-crushed production — using a mule-drawn stone mill rather than modern shredders — is an increasingly uncommon method that gives this mezcal a distinctly round and textured palate. The Tlacolula Valley terroir comes through clearly in the mineral backbone and expressive roasted agave character. For drinkers seeking an authentically produced Oaxacan mezcal that performs equally well neat or in cocktails, Xicala Joven is a genuinely compelling option in its category.