Paquera Espadin and Barril Mezcal Artesanal

Crafted in Ejutla de Crespo, Oaxaca, Mexico, Paquera Espadín & Barril is a harmoniously balanced ensamble artisanal mezcal produced by master mezcalero Francisco Javier Perez Cruz. Blending cultivated Espadín (Agave angustifolia) with wild-harvested Barril (Agave karwinskii), this expression merges Espadín’s approachable sweetness and citrus drive with the dry, herbal, and mineral-heavy complexity of wild Barril. The mature piñas are slow-cooked in traditional underground conical stone pits fueled by local oak, crushed using a horse-drawn stone tahona wheel, and open-fermented in pine wood tubs with natural wild airborne yeasts. Double-distilled in classic copper pot stills, this unaged ensamble presents a multi-layered profile that easily bridges nuanced sipping and high-end craft cocktail applications.

Food Pairing: Grilled pork carnitas, mole verde, roasted chicken with herbs, goat cheese crostini, ceviche with mango, or dark chocolate with sea salt.

Tasting Notes: Crystal clear in appearance with brilliant clarity, a silky medium body, and clean, delicate tears.

Nose: Vibrant and multi-faceted, opening with sweet cooked agave, crushed green herbs, and fresh lime zest, supported by gentle mesquite smoke, white pepper, damp earth, and subtle melon fruitiness.

Palate: Smooth, dry, and textural on the palate, featuring caramelized agave nectar and ripe tropical citrus upfront before unfolding into soft wood smoke, cracked black pepper, pine needle, and chalky stone minerality.

Finish: Medium-long, clean, and crisp with lingering notes of sweet agave, gentle oak smoke, zesty grapefruit pith, and an earthy herbal warmth.

Serve: Enjoy neat at room temperature in a traditional clay copita or Glencairn glass, or as a sophisticated base for elevated craft cocktails like a Mezcal Last Word or Mezcal Paloma.