Reviews / El Rey Zapoteco Espadin

Review · · by The Editors

El Rey Zapoteco Espadin

Espadín at 45%. The entry El Rey Zapoteco and a standard Matatlán reference bottle

Score: 3.5/5 agaves

El Rey Zapoteco Espadin bottle
  • Producer: El Rey Zapoteco Mezcal
  • Maestro: Hernandez Escobar Family
  • Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Espadin
  • ABV: 45%
  • Price: $47 ($)

Verdict

Forgettable in the way mid-tier espadíns usually are – clears the bar, doesn't argue for attention past the price. Buy Fidencio Clásico or Vago Espadín at similar money for mid-tier espadín that does argue for itself; El Rey Zapoteco's espadín is the shelf filler the producer's specialty releases have to subsidize.

A workable commercial espadín for back-bar duty at a distribution-friendly proof

Tasting notes

Nose: Warm stone first with faint smoke, green apple

Palate: Clean at 45%. Standard mid-tier Oaxacan espadín without distinguishing character – the production is correct, the proof is conventional, and the agave hits as competently-made rather than memorably-made

Finish: Dry, with a faint smoke fade and a trace of cooked sugar at the tail

The bottom line

Fine as a cocktail espadín

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 4 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

More from El Rey Zapoteco Mezcal