Reviews / Espadin Mezcal

Espadin Mezcal

Espadín (Agave angustifolia) is the cultivated agave at the heart of roughly 90% of mezcal in the US. It matures in 8-10 years, propagates by clone, and grows in rows. Most producers' default bottle is an espadín; for many smaller palenques it's the only bottle they ship. Espadín's signature is sweet-cooked, structural, and forgiving – which is exactly what makes it the right first mezcal for any drinker. If you're shopping a starter espadín under $30, Mestiza Negra is the clearest place to begin.