Reviews / El Buho Especial Jabali
Review · · by The Editors
El Buho Especial Jabali
Jabalí at 43.5%-50% (variable bottlings) – the batch is the bottle, and the proof tells you which one
Score: 4.0/5 agaves
- Producer: El Buho Mezcal
- Maestro: Octavio Jiménez Monterroza
- Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca
- Agave: Jabali
- ABV: 43.5%
- Price: $70 ($$)
Verdict
Jabalí fermentation is notoriously unruly, foaming, stalling, demanding real technique – and proof is the category signal that separates the disciplined bottles from the sloppy ones. Hunt the 50% batches specifically; skip the low-proof ones. A solid El Buho when you get the right batch; check the ABV on the label before buying.
Jabalí proof matters more than batch number. Buy the 50%
Tasting notes
Nose: Hot stone, green pepper, herbal density, a faint cocoa undertone, dried fruit underneath
Palate: Variable by batch. 43.5% bottlings run thinner than 50% bottlings, and jabalí is an agave where that difference is category-decisive, the lower proof flattens the herbal density and mutes the cocoa note, while the higher proof delivers the full experience
Finish: Drying, with a slow herbal fade. Very long
The bottom line
The 50% is the version to buy; anything lower, skip
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.
- Old Town Tequila – $99.99