Zopenco Espadin

Verdict

Zopenco Espadín is a perfectly fine mid-shelf mezcal that exists in a category already crowded with perfectly fine mid-shelf mezcals. The proof is honest, the distillation is clean, the flavor is direct. Nothing wrong with it; nothing to write home about. Reach for Banhez Ensamble or Vida if the budget is similar and you want more character per dollar.

Tasting notes

Nose: Cooked agave – then apple skin, warm smoke, a soft floral lift

Palate: Medium-weight, the espadín competent and approachable with a clean distillation showing through. Pleasant, unambitious

Finish: Lightly sweet, clean

The bottom line

Clean espadín in a crowded tier. Buy Banhez or Vida instead