Mal Bien Espadin from Félix Ramírez Mendez is produced in the village of Yogana, in the Ejutla district of Oaxaca.
About this mezcal
Mal Bien Espadin from Félix Ramírez Mendez is produced in the village of Yogana which is located at the southern end of the Ejutla district of Oaxaca. Like his neighbors, Félix is a full-time farmer. However, Félix is also a part-time mezcalero who works with several species of agave which are planted between rows of seasonal crops like corn, squash, and beans. He distills on equipment unique to Ejutla that allow his spirits can reach proof in a single pass. Mal Bien was the first brand to commercially release mezcal from Félix Ramírez.
Mal Bien
Since 2016, the Mal Bien team has been traveling Mexico, driving off the map and into mountains filled with treacherous roads, police officers of questionable moral character, feral dogs, indigenous languages, narcos, ancient relics, machete wielding protestors, insect based meals, mudslides, blockades, corrupt politicians, and many of the world’s kindest, funniest, most brilliant people. In addition to some hard to believe stories, they’ve connected with a wide variety of traditional producers, whose mezcal is now bottled and exported under the Mal Bien name.
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jmehrk35
41 reviews0818FRM
46.69 % ABV
Warming initial nasal impact.
Nose starts off with BBQ sauce, honey, pickle, asparagus, fennel and dill tops. Cooked agave.
Oily soft mouthfeel with sufficient heat.
Very vegetal and drying on the palate. The asparagus that was picked up on the aroma continues here. Dried herbs and some green pepper (reminds me of Verde) follow. Light ash smoke, but not overpowering. Wow, after a few more sips, some of the BBQ sauce sweetness makes an appearance with Mike’s Hot Honey lingering on the med long finish. A very satisfying Espadin at a moderate price (approx $60 NY)
0818FRM
46.69 % ABV
Warming initial nasal impact.
Nose starts off with BBQ sauce, honey, pickle, asparagus, fennel and dill tops. Cooked agave.
Oily soft mouthfeel with sufficient heat.
Very vegetal and drying on the palate. The asparagus that was picked up on the aroma continues here. Dried herbs and some green pepper (reminds me of Verde) follow. Light ash smoke, but not overpowering. Wow, after a few more sips, some of the BBQ sauce sweetness makes an appearance with Mike’s Hot Honey li
GMAD
26 reviews1121FRM, 46%
Nose – Sweet, woodsy, and synthetic. Leather and barbecue sauce, maybe some cottage cheese. Vinyl floors and latex paint also apply. Reminds me of apartment hunting, in a good way. Smells like a newly vacant and renovated unit that was just put on the market.
Palate – Vegetal with a touch of sweetness. It’s a big bite of green pepper followed by some broccoli.
Finish – Bittersweet; orange rind.
This is ok. It doesn’t impress but it’s acceptable. Profile-wise it leans heavily towards bittersweet and dry. Falls short of expectations considering this is Mal Bien. There’s definitely better Espadins than this.
1121FRM, 46%
Nose – Sweet, woodsy, and synthetic. Leather and barbecue sauce, maybe some cottage cheese. Vinyl floors and latex paint also apply. Reminds me of apartment hunting, in a good way. Smells like a newly vacant and renovated unit that was just put on the market.
Palate – Vegetal with a touch of sweetness. It’s a big bite of green pepper followed by some broccoli.
Finish – Bittersweet; orange rind.
This is ok. It doesn’t impress but it’s acceptable.
Ranger_Ryan
43 reviewsBatch: 1120FRM
I really liked this one. I feel like there are different flavors than a lot of other Espadin. More on the vegetal than fruity or sweet side, I mostly got fresh asparagus, some funkiness and a little vanilla. Sad when this one was finished.
Zack Klamn
531 reviewsLot: 1121FRM
Nose – A burst of roasted agave. Cherry fun dip. A tiny bit of dried Parmesan.
Palate – Sharp flavors – very agave forward. Candied pear. Rubber. Slight cheesy funk. A great, more unique espadin, $55 a bottle at that (in Cali). Fantastic value buy.
Sverhage
7 reviewsBatch: 1219frm
Purchased at: Cask-Oakland
Imported by: Pueblo de sabor in Monterey Park, California
Very nice and clean but not super complex. Good not great. Will assess after several more pours. 90pts