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Montelobos Espadin 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.

Montelobos EspadinIlegal Joven
Our score3.0/52.0/5
The public3.52.6
Price$44$29
ABV43%40%
AgaveEspadinEspadin
RegionSantiago Matatlán, OaxacaTlacolula, Oaxaca

The call

Montelobos Espadin is the better bottle by 1.0; whether that is worth the extra $15 depends on how often you pour it. For sipping, spend up. For mixing, Ilegal Joven is the sane choice.

Montelobos Espadin

A safe cocktail bottle. Pass for sipping

Nose: Green apple with pineapple candy

Palate: Friendly, middle-weight, smoother than most in the price bracket but without much to say

Finish: Faintly sweet, clean

Read the full Montelobos Espadin review

Ilegal Joven

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

Read the full Ilegal Joven review

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