Xicala Reposado Espadin Mezcal 750ML

Xicala Reposado Espadin Mezcal 750ML is a dual-barrel-aged mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico, bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml format. It earned 93 points from Tastings.com and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, underscoring the quality produced by its distinctive combination of American oak and French Limousin cognac barrel aging.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Valley of Tlacolula, Oaxaca, Mexico  |  Reposado (6 Months Dual-Barrel Aged)  |  Distillery: Destilería Tlacolula (NOM-001X)

Production & Heritage

Xicala Reposado is produced at Destilería Tlacolula in the Valley of Tlacolula, one of Oaxaca's most respected mezcal-producing subregions. The 100% Espadin agave hearts are roasted in a traditional underground pit oven, then crushed using a tahona stone mill pulled by mule—methods that remain largely unchanged across generations of Oaxacan mezcaleros. After an eight-day open-air fermentation in wooden vats, the spirit rests for six months in a combination of American oak barrels and French Limousin cognac casks, a dual-aging technique that sets it apart from most reposado mezcals on the market, which typically rely on a single barrel type.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A light gold spirit greets the nose with mild vanilla and caramel, followed by char-grilled pineapple and a subtle jalapeño pepper tickle. Toasted walnut and fig emerge as secondary layers beneath the smoke.

Taste: The entry is marked by green pepper, fresh herbs, and a wave of warm spice. At mid-palate, sweet almond and raisin temper the heat, while chili and caramel notes build complexity. The body sits at a bright medium-to-full weight that carries each flavor cleanly.

Finish: Smoke arrives late, rolling through vanilla and milk chocolate as the palate resolves. The close is a honey-cream texture that lingers at moderate length with echoes of toasted oak and dried fruit.

How to Drink Xicala Reposado

Sipping neat at room temperature allows the dual-barrel character to express fully; a few drops of water can open the caramel and fig aromatics further. For cocktails, the reposado aging gives it enough backbone and sweetness to hold up in mixed drinks:

• Mezcal Old Fashioned — The vanilla and toasted walnut notes integrate beautifully with demerara syrup and mole bitters.
• Oaxacan Negroni — Its smoky-sweet profile stands up to Campari without being overwhelmed, and the cognac-barrel influence adds depth.
• Mezcal Paloma — The char-grilled pineapple and green pepper character pairs naturally with grapefruit soda and a salted rim.

Best For

• Introducing a tequila drinker to the world of aged mezcal
• Gifting a spirits enthusiast who values artisanal production methods
• Building a mezcal-focused cocktail menu at home
• Side-by-side tastings exploring the impact of different barrel types on mezcal

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Xicala Reposado taste like? It delivers char-grilled pineapple, green pepper, and warm spice on the palate, balanced by sweet almond and caramel from its dual-barrel aging. The finish carries vanilla, milk chocolate, and a honey-cream texture.

How does Xicala Reposado compare to Montelobos Reposado? Both are 100% Espadin mezcals from Oaxaca, but Xicala Reposado is aged in both American oak and French Limousin cognac barrels, while Montelobos Reposado uses American oak exclusively. This dual-cask approach gives Xicala a notably richer caramel and fig character alongside its smoke.

Is Xicala Reposado good for sipping neat? Yes—its 40% ABV and medium-to-full body make it very approachable neat, and the cognac-barrel influence adds a smoothness that rewards slow sipping without requiring dilution.

Where is Xicala Reposado made? It is produced at Destilería Tlacolula (NOM-001X) in the Valley of Tlacolula, a subregion within the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, historically recognized for mezcal production.

What foods pair well with Xicala Reposado? Grilled pork with a mole negro sauce mirrors its smoke and chocolate notes. Aged Manchego or Oaxacan string cheese complements the caramel and walnut aromas. Roasted sweet potatoes with chipotle echo the spirit's sweet-heat balance. Dark chocolate truffles highlight the milk chocolate finish, and grilled stone fruit like peaches picks up the char-grilled pineapple character.

What sizes does Xicala Reposado come in? It is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Xicala Reposado worth the price? Xicala Reposado positions as a mid-range artisanal mezcal, and its dual-barrel aging process, tahona milling, and strong critical scores (93 points from Tastings.com, 91 from Wine Enthusiast) represent solid value within the reposado mezcal category.

Why Xicala Reposado?

The dual-barrel aging in both American oak and French Limousin cognac casks is the clearest differentiator here—most reposado mezcals rely on a single wood type, giving Xicala a layered complexity that bridges traditional smoky mezcal character with the rounded sweetness associated with aged cognac. A 93-point score from Tastings.com and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast back up what the production promises. The fully traditional process—pit-roasted agave, tahona-crushed by mule, open-vat fermentation—grounds the spirit firmly in Oaxacan mezcal heritage rather than industrial shortcutting. For drinkers looking to explore what barrel selection can do to mezcal without sacrificing authenticity, this reposado is a compelling case study.