Reviews / Rayu Espadin
Review · · by The Editors
Rayu Espadin
San Juan del Río espadín, sanded down to restaurant-neutral
Score: 2.5/5 agaves
- Producer: Rayu Mezcal
- Maestro: Isaias Martinez Juan
- Region: San Juan del Rio, Oaxaca
- Agave: Espadin
- ABV: 44%
- Price: $40 ($)
Verdict
Rayu sources from a capable maestro and then markets the liquid into inoffensiveness. The banana-mango tasting notes the brand prints on its own sheet tell you what it's optimizing for – cocktail programs and first-time mezcal drinkers. Buy Banhez Espadín for ten dollars less and get a more honest version of the same conversation.
Tropical fruit where the agave should be standing
Tasting notes
Nose: Banana, mango, a spoonful of caramel, faint smoke
Palate: Sweet-forward at 44%, the fruit notes arriving a half-step too polished. Isaias Martinez Juan's intent shows through; the brand's choices are the problem – thin mid-palate, little mineral spine
Finish: Sugary, clean. Stays short
The bottom line
Skip at its price – Banhez owns this tier
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 3 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.
- Total Wine
- Wooden Cork – $29.99
- Specs