Banhez Espadin & Barril vs Ilegal Joven

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.

The call

This one is not close. Banhez Espadin & Barril outscores Ilegal Joven by 1.5 points on our rubric.

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

You're buying the story. At $23 to $34, fine is a ceiling

Nose: Soft smoke, lemon peel, cooked agave, a faint commercial sweetness

Palate: Round, approachable, industrial in the way mid-proof commercial mezcal can't help being. Less rustic character than the price suggests

Finish: Clean, slightly sweet