Last Updated on: 12th June 2025, 07:42 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
This post created with the assistance of Mezcal expert Neil Coleman answers all your questions related to Espadin Mezcal!
Written by: J Highland
Key Takeaways
- Espadín Agave: Most Mezcal is made from Espadín agave, similar to how blue agave is used for Tequila.
- Short Growth Period: Espadín agave has an 8-year growth cycle and offers a high yield, making it sustainable for Mezcal production.
- Flavor Profile: Espadín Mezcal has a balance of minerality and fruity notes, neither too floral nor too intense.
- Ideal for Beginners: Serves as a good starting point for those new to Mezcal.
- Production Location: Primarily harvested in Oaxaca, Mexico.
- Cultivation: The plant’s ease of cultivation and high sugar content make it popular for Mezcal production.
- Drinking Method: Recommended to be sipped slowly, not shot.
- Price Range: Quality Espadín Mezcal starts at around $40 USD.
What is Espadin Mezcal?
Mezcal Espadin is the type of Mezcal made with the agave espadin plant.
This knowledge puts you ahead of the majority, as it is a fact that most people are unaware of.
In the world of Mezcal, espadin is akin to blue agave in the realm of tequila, as approximately 90% of all Mezcal produced in Mexico is made using this particular agave variety.
Espadin has a relatively short growing period of around eight years, yet it offers a relatively high yield per maguey, with only approximately 17 pounds (8 kilos) of espadin required to produce a bottle of Mezcal.
Distinct from many other agave species, espadin can be cultivated by farmers, making it the most sustainable choice for Mezcal production.
The growing demand for Mezcal has unfortunately led to a depletion of Mexico’s wild agave stocks, resulting in their decline to critically low levels.
Related article: What is Tobala Mezcal?
What does Espadin mean?
The term “Espadin” in Mezcal refers to the sword, which is symbolic of the agave plant’s leaves.
A glance at the plant’s distinctive leaves will help you make the connection.
How does it taste?
Espadin Mezcal offers a blend of minerality and fruity notes.
Its flavor profile strikes a delightful balance, offering a taste that is neither as floral as Tobalá, nor as spicy and intense as Tepextate, nor as salty as Cuishe.
Espadin Mezcal serves as an ideal entry point for aspiring Mezcal enthusiasts, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the world of Mezcal.
Once one has developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the nuances of espadin, one can then venture into exploring the intricate and complex flavors offered by the aforementioned agave varieties.
Where does Espadin agave grow?
75% of all espadin is harvested in the Mexican state of Oaxaca
Espadin is scientifically known as agave Angustifolia Haw.
The warm weather conditions and the high altitude make Oaxaca the perfect place to grow this plant.
If you ever visit this wonderful place you will see vast fields covered with agave espadin waiting to be turned into mezcal.
What makes it so popular?
The popularity of Espadín Mezcal can be attributed to its abundant availability.
The agave espadin plant is known for its ease of cultivation and high sugar content in its core.
The ample sugar content within the heart of the espadin plant is crucial in the production of alcohol, making it easier to create Mezcal.
This attribute contributes to the widespread production and accessibility of Espadín Mezcal.
Another advantage espadin has to offer is the high yield it offers.
You only need around 17 pounds (8 kilos) to produce a bottle.
This is a huge edge over other agaves with poor yields such as 90 pounds (40 kilos) per bottle.
Drinking Guide
Sip it, don’t drink Mezcal in shots; use a bad tequila for such purposes.
Drink it kissing every sip, do it slowly, don’t rush it.
If you find it a bit intimidating chill it with large ice cubes to avoid dilution, but over time you will come to enjoy this fantastic spirit.
Is Mezcal Espadin too strong?
Absolutely not! Mezcal proves to be remarkably smooth and enjoyable when you make the right selection.
The key lies in choosing the appropriate Mezcal, and fortunately, I’m here to assist you in making that decision.
Moreover, Mezcal possesses a distinct advantage over other spirits in that it tends to have a lower likelihood of causing hangovers.
Agave spirits possess a unique sugar composition that offers a promising prospect of headache-free mornings.
However, it’s important to exercise moderation and not abuse this privilege.
What is Mezcal Espadin Joven?
Espadin Joven refers to an unaged Mezcal.
Whenever you come across a bottle labeled “Mezcal Espadin Joven”, it indicates an unaged Mezcal crafted exclusively from espadin agave.
The term “Joven” translates to “young” in English, emphasizing its youthful and fresh character.
Price
A good Espadin starts at $40 USD and can easily go all the way up to $200 USD.
Why such a difference?
Production methods matter, the recognition of the distiller, along with other intrinsic factors.
Recommendations
I will show you a few good options for every budget:
Montelobos Espadin Mezcal
Montelobos is the best value mezcal making it a great option when drinking on a budget.
This spirit is certified organic and crafted with sustainably grown agaves.
This is an easy-to-drink and light espadin perfectly suited for a newbie wanting to join the mezcal ship.
Pleasant mineral notes with a light hint of smoke making it a good sip. It can also be mixed in cocktails.
You’ll find it for less than $40 USD.
Related article: Is Montelobos Mezcal Good?
Vago Elote
Vago Elote was first produced by the legendary Aquilino Garcia who unfortunately passed away in 2020.
It is currently crafted by his sons who have done a good job at preserving their Dad’s touch.
Elote means corn in Spanish. Mezcal Vago Elote is a mezcal made with espadin and infused with roasted sweet corn before being distilled for a third time.
The result is a heck of a dram, with notes of rich smoky corn, fruits, vanilla, and the right amount of smoke to fully enjoy it.
Currently offered for around $50 USD although you must know that this is not an easy find.
Related article: Mezcal Vago – Reviews & FAQ
Rey Campero Espadin
Rey Campero’s palenque (mezcal distillery) is located next to where Vago Elote is produced in the Mexican town of Candelaria Yegole.
Despite the closeness, there is nothing in common between these releases.
This espadin is less smoky while offering an elegant flavor profile.
Rey Campero is a classic espadin with salty notes and is quite easy to sip.
Notes include a clean bright opening note of spearmint followed by mixed herbs, cherry blossoms, honeydew, citron, and a gentle amount of smoke.
Expect to find it for around $50 USD.
Related article: The 7 Best Sipping Mezcals
Neta Espadin
Neta translates into “real deal” or the “whole truth”.
This is a brand that works with a wide range of maestros mezcaleros “mezcal distillers” offering some of the best mezcals available.
Neta Espadin is produced by Maestro Candido Garcia.
It offers a level of complexity hardy found among other mezcals of this type.
It offers rich notes of avocado leaf, honeysuckle, mineral, lime zest, white currant, ripe persimmon, and dried sweet chiles.
This is an outstanding espadin offered for around $99 USD.
Real Minero Espadin
Real Minero is perhaps the best mezcal producer in Mexico.
These guys have been distilling agaves since 1898 using the same recipe.
It is also one of the very few brands with full control of the production process as they sow their own agaves.
If you ever visit Oaxaca make a stop at their palenque located in Santa Catarina de Minas, one hour away from the City.
A must-visit for anyone interested in learning how good mezcal is made.
Notes of tropical fruit along with plum and banana notes, a bit of leafy mint, sweet chocolate, and the right amount of smoke.
Priced at around $99 USD.