{"product_id":"banhez-joven-espadin-barril-mezcal-750ml","title":"Banhez Joven Espadin \u0026 Barril Mezcal 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBanhez Joven Espadin \u0026amp; Barril Mezcal 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a small-batch Oaxacan mezcal blending 90% Espadin and 10% Barril agave, bottled at 42% ABV. It earned Double Gold and Best Mezcal honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017, distinguishing it as one of the strongest values in the artisanal mezcal category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 42%  |  Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico  |  Joven (Unaged)  |  Producer: Banhez Co-operative, San Miguel Ejutla\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanhez is produced by a co-operative of more than 36 families based in San Miguel Ejutla in the central valley of Oaxaca, following methods passed down for nearly two centuries. Agaves are roasted in underground wood-fired pits, crushed with donkey-pulled tahonas (traditional stone-wheel mills), fermented in wooden tanks, and distilled in small batches using copper alembic stills. The blend of 90% Espadin with 10% wild Barril agave adds uncommon complexity to what remains an accessibly priced joven expression, and the co-operative model ensures fair compensation for the mezcalero families involved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbaceous and floral on first approach, opening into ripe tropical fruit — banana and pineapple — layered over a faint clay-like earthiness. A thread of light smoke lingers beneath the fruit without dominating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with pronounced banana and pineapple joined by citrus and a subtle vanilla sweetness at mid-palate. As it develops, black pepper emerges alongside cooked agave and a gentle smokiness. The Barril component contributes a green, slightly vegetal complexity that broadens the palate beyond typical Espadin-only mezcals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a peppery warmth that trails into light smoke and earthy mineral tones. The tropical fruit recedes gradually, leaving a clean, dry close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Banhez Mezcal\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSipping neat at room temperature in a copita or wide-mouthed glass reveals the full aromatic range; a few drops of water can soften the pepper and amplify the fruit. Its versatile flavor profile also works exceptionally well in cocktails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMezcal Paloma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tropical fruit notes harmonize naturally with grapefruit soda and lime.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOaxaca Old Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The light smoke and peppery warmth stand up to agave syrup and mole bitters without overwhelming the drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMezcal Margarita:\u003c\/strong\u003e Banana and pineapple character adds unexpected depth alongside fresh citrus and orange liqueur.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing mezcal to friends who are curious but intimidated by heavy smoke\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home mezcal cocktail program without breaking the budget\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting someone interested in fair-trade, community-produced spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing Espadin blends to single-agave expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Banhez Mezcal taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Banhez Joven leads with tropical fruit — banana, pineapple, and citrus — balanced by black pepper, cooked agave, and a restrained smokiness. The 10% Barril agave adds a green, vegetal complexity that sets it apart from all-Espadin mezcals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Banhez compare to Del Maguey VIDA Clásico?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are joven Espadin-based mezcals positioned as approachable entry points, but Banhez blends in 10% Barril agave for added complexity, while VIDA is 100% Espadin with a more pronounced smoky character. Banhez also uses a co-operative production model involving 36-plus families, whereas Del Maguey sources from individual village producers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Banhez Mezcal good for cocktails?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its moderate smoke level, fruit-forward profile, and 42% ABV make it one of the more cocktail-friendly mezcals in its price range, working well in Palomas, Margaritas, and stirred drinks alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Banhez Mezcal made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Banhez is produced in San Miguel Ejutla, located in the central valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. The co-operative of more than 36 mezcalero families distills in small batches using traditional pit-roasting and copper alembic methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Banhez Mezcal?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled pineapple or mango, where the fruit echoes the mezcal's tropical character; mole negro, whose complex spice mirrors the pepper and smoke; fresh ceviche with citrus, which complements the bright agave notes; dark chocolate with chili, which amplifies the earthy warmth; and aged Oaxacan cheese, whose sharpness contrasts the fruit sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Banhez Mezcal come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Banhez Mezcal worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Banhez positions as an entry-level artisanal mezcal, and its Double Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggests it punches well above its price tier. For a traditionally produced, multi-agave blend at this value level, it represents strong quality relative to cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Banhez Mezcal?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Double Gold and Best Mezcal win at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition is a concrete benchmark — that panel tasted hundreds of entries and singled this bottle out. The 90\/10 Espadin-Barril blend is uncommon at this price point, where most producers bottle straight Espadin. Traditional production — pit-roasting, tahona milling, open-air wooden-tank fermentation, and copper pot distillation — delivers authenticity that mass-produced mezcals cannot replicate. And the co-operative structure, supporting more than 36 Oaxacan families who have practiced these methods for generations, gives this bottle a provenance story rooted in verifiable community economics rather than marketing narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Liquor Barn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47604382597293,"sku":"14705","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/6171\/3581\/files\/Banhez-Joven-Espadin-Barril-Mezcal__47529.jpg?v=1789484372","url":"https:\/\/shakerandspoon.com\/products\/banhez-joven-espadin-barril-mezcal-750ml","provider":"Shaker \u0026 Spoon","version":"1.0","type":"link"}