Reviews / The Lost Explorer Espadin
Review ·
The Lost Explorer Espadin
Celebrity-brand espadín – the palenque is real, the marketing is louder
Score: 3.0/5 agaves
- Producer: The Lost Explorer Mezcal
- Maestro: Fortino Ramos Florean
- Region: San Pablo Huixtepec, Oaxaca
- Agave: Espadin
- ABV: 42%
- Price: $53 ($$)
Verdict
The Lost Explorer's sustainability-and-craft marketing is real enough – Fortino Ramos in San Pablo Huixtepec is a credible palenque, but the 42% proof and the commercial profile point to a brand that's optimizing for bottle sales. At this tier Banhez and Vida deliver more committed versions of the same conversation. Choose one of those instead.
The Lost Explorer found a palenque. The liquid still sounds like a product
Tasting notes
Nose: Cooked agave with vanilla, a trace of citrus
Palate: 42% carries a polished, consumer-safe espadín – Fortino Ramos's work visible in the cleanness but muted by the proof and the brand target
Finish: Clean, sweet, medium
The bottom line
Keep browsing. Banhez costs less and delivers more
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 4 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.
- Total Wine – $49.99
- Old Town Tequila – $50
- BevMo
- Mission Liquor – $60
Price check: $53 (2026-07-29).