Banhez Espadin & Barril vs Bozal Ensamble

Two bottles that end up on the same shelf, tasted the same way on the same rubric. Scores, current average US prices, and the call.

	Banhez Espadin & Barril	Bozal Ensamble
Our score	3.5/5	3.5/5
The public	3.4	3.5
Price	$33	$45
ABV	42%	47%
Agave	Barril, Espadin	Barril, Espadin, Mexicano
Region	Ejutla, Oaxaca	Ejutla, San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca

The call

The scores tie at 3.5, so price decides it: Banhez Espadin & Barril costs less and gets the nod.

The default first bottle, with Mestiza Negra ($20 at Trader Joe's) as its rival

Nose: Green herbs with melon rind, cooked agave

Palate: Brighter and more aromatic than its price tier suggests, the barril adds a savory undertow under the espadín's sweetness

Finish: Clean, faintly bitter – medium

Reliable, not revelatory. Fine for the price

Nose: Dried herbs, smoke, chocolate, cooked pineapple

Palate: Medium weight, with the barril and mexicano adding savory depth under the espadín backbone

Finish: Medium-long, clean, faintly bitter at the edges