Bozal Espadin - Barril - Mexicano Ensamble Mezcal, Oaxaca, Mexico

Bozal Espadin - Barril - Mexicano Ensamble Mezcal is an artisanal joven mezcal that brings together cultivated Espadín with wild Barril and Mexicano agaves. The blend balances the orchard-fruit sweetness of Espadín with the herbal, earthy depth of the wild agaves. Aromas and flavors move through pear, green apple, citrus zest, green pepper, and warm spice, with a measured thread of smoke and a mineral finish. Bottled at 47% ABV, it comes in Bozal’s distinctive rustic ceramic bottle, inspired by traditional terracotta mezcal cups.

Product Details

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 47%.
• Proof: 94.
• Style: Mezcal Artesanal; Ensamble Joven.
• Agave Blend: Espadín (Agave angustifolia), Mexicano (Agave rhodacantha), and Barril (Agave karwinskii). Blend percentages are not disclosed. Espadín is cultivated; Mexicano and Barril are wild agaves.
• Cooking: Agave hearts are roasted in earthen pit ovens.
• Milling: The cooked agave is crushed with a horse-turned stone tahona.
• Fermentation: Open-air fermentation with naturally occurring yeast; no artificial yeast is used.
• Distillation: Double-distilled in copper pot stills.
• Maturation: Joven, or unaged.
• NOM: O472X.
• Producer: Bozal Mezcal.
• Owner: Maguey Spirits; Maguey Imports is its U.S. distribution arm.
• Master Distillers: Onofre Ortiz and Marcelino Ortiz.

Sensory Description

The nose opens with pear and green apple, joined by wet earth, wild herbs, and a subtle trace of smoke. On the palate, ripe orchard fruit and cooked agave meet lime zest, stone fruit, green pepper, and allspice. The texture is rounded and gently viscous, with mineral notes and a warm, lingering finish. The wild agaves give the blend an earthy, herbaceous edge that keeps its fruit and smoke in balance.

Awards & Accolades

• 2026: Double Gold, 92 points, Agavos Awards.
• 2023: 97 points, The Tasting Panel.
• 2017: 90 points, Wine Enthusiast.
• 2016: 100 points, The Tasting Panel.
• 2016: Three stars, Recommended, The Spirit Journal.

Producer’s Background

Bozal takes its name from a Spanish word meaning “wild” or “untamed,” a reference to the traditional wild agaves used in many of its mezcals. This ensamble draws on agaves from Miahuatlán and Etla, combining the familiar fruit of cultivated Espadín with two wild varieties. Its ceramic bottle echoes the terracotta cups used for serving mezcal, giving the packaging a distinctive handmade character. Maguey Spirits acquired the Bozal brand in 2024.

Serving Suggestions

Serve neat at room temperature in a copita or small tasting glass, allowing the aromas to open before sipping. Its fruit, smoke, and herbal character pairs well with grilled seafood, roasted vegetables, or mole. For a simple accompaniment, try orange slices and a little sal de gusano. It also works in spirit-forward cocktails where its peppery, mineral notes can stand alongside citrus.