Mal Bien describes this Espadin as their everyday sipper, and the “gateway mezcal” they offer friends who are just becoming familiar with mezcal.
Mal Bien Espadin is produced by Don Juan Hernández Méndez in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca. He is a fifth generation mezcalero and he follows the traditions and processes that his family has been using for over one hundred years. This mezcal smells of roasted meat, ground corn, and pine tar. On the palate, there are notes of leather, caramelized banana, and barley.
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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Van G
5 reviewsCLM-02
Not much on the nose, just agave with a tinge of sourness. On sipping, pungent and (still) sour, but not overwhelmingly so; no stand-out notes. Brief but slightly messy finish.
Overall, an average Espadin that’s solid for cocktails (friend-group approved in a Bloody Maria). A less smoke-forward alternative to the similarly-priced standards (e.g. Banhez Esamble, Vida, El Buho), and could be a good “gateway mezcal” for someone used to those.
COak
70 reviewsDecent espadin, I don’t enjoy it as much as the other Mal Biens I’ve tried. I get notes of sour apples. It has a short finish.
Gregg T&T
9 reviewsBatch CLM-02 by Don Lucio Morales Lopez. Herbal and bright nose with citrus and floral notes. Big agave up front, bell peppers with an enjoyable heat through the finish. Solid and versatile, chock full of value.
kozinnski
14 reviewsTropical fruit, corn tortillas, lots of citrus, overripe banana. Really, really pleasant and supremely quaffable.
Nic Hnastchenko
102 reviewsSolid, subtle, light.
Tyler
346 reviewsAgree with Jonny’s review. Good value at around $35 USD a bottle. This mezcal checks off the boxes for a cheap and versatile mezcal. Sugary agave, citrus, not overly smokey, and quick tart finish. Certain mezcals around this price range taste harsh, industrial, or both – this is neither. Give it a try.
Jonny
358 reviewsA good mixer for a cocktail and good for sipping as well. I liked this. I’d give it 3 stars as a sipper and 4 stars as a mixer. Big full agave flavor. Sweet upfront with some hints of sour mud and wet greenery. I think this would make a really good paloma.