Banhez Mezcal Ensamble Espadin & Barril

Banhez is a cooperative of more than thirty five Zapotec families in San Miguel Ejutla in the central valleys of Oaxaca, working together in the way their ancestors have for nearly two centuries. Its flagship is this ensamble, ninety percent Espadin and ten percent Barril cooked, fermented and distilled together, a gentle and approachable joven that also works in cocktails.
The cooperative roasts the agave in underground wood fired pits, crushes it with a donkey drawn tahona, ferments in wooden tanks and distils in small copper alembics. The small share of Barril, a wild form of Agave karwinskii, rounds out the sweet Espadin base. Aromas of fruit, agave, vanilla and a touch of smoke lead into a palate of banana and pineapple, vanilla and pepper, with notes of earth, clay and citrus. Soft and floral at 42%.