Banhez Espadin & Barril vs Mestiza Negra Espadin

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	Mestiza Negra Espadin
Our score	3.5/5	4.5/5
The public	3.4	4.0
Price	$33	$26
ABV	42%	45%
Agave	Barril, Espadin	Espadin
Region	Ejutla, Oaxaca	Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca

The call

Mestiza Negra Espadin scores higher and costs no more. Easy call.

Banhez Espadin & Barril

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

Read the full Banhez Espadin & Barril review

Mestiza Negra Espadin

The $20 house pour; stock it

Nose: Warm stone, then cooked agave, orange peel

Palate: Matatlán with the commercial sweetness dialed back. A mineral mid-palate, green-herb thread, and smoke that sits as seasoning rather than feature; lean at 45%

Finish: Drying, a slow cooling close – medium-long

Read the full Mestiza Negra Espadin review

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