Montelobos Espadin is an artisanal mezcal crafted by mezcalero Don Abel Lopez in Santiago Matatlán.
About this mezcal
Montelobos Joven is an artisanal Mezcal made in Santiago Matatlán produced with 100% organically certified agave Espadín. This Mezcal is crafted by biologist and distiller Iván Saldaña and mezcalero Don Abel Lopez. It is made according to Saldaña’s vision and passion for agave and artisanal mezcal with respect for traditional production methods, sustainability, and the quality of life in the communities and families who have produced mezcal for generations.
Montelobos Mezcal
Montelobos has business ties to William Grant & Sons, the makers of scotch whisky. Iván Saldaña, who has a background in molecular plant biology, founded Montelobos Mezcal. Saldaña worked with two mezcal-producing families in Oaxaca and Puebla. The mezcal is popular inside Mexico and is also exported. Montelobos Mezcal is committed to sustainability and has pledged to never use wild agaves in their mezcal production.
In October 2019, Campari Group (Davide Campari-Milano SpA) purchased a controlling stake in Montelobos. The $35.7 million USD investment also included a majority stake in Ancho Reyes chili liqueur.
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TomT
2 reviewsBought this at Costco so wasn’t expecting much. When I got home and tasted it, wow…it was love at first sip. A really good joven espadin. Found the smoke to be subtle. It is smooth but also has more flavor complexity then your average mezcal. So, I’d say it is a spirit more for the experienced mezcal palate than the novice. A well priced mezcal as well.
Cy Bister
26 reviewsJack-fruit sweetness mixed with an understated but distinctly iodine smoke on the nose – and just a touch of vanilla. Taste is unexpectedly non-sweet by comparison, earthy and peppery, with an almost antiseptic smoke note and a nice spicy warmth on the finish. There are definitely some sweeter vanilla and vaguely fruity notes in the mix but they are mostly hiding in the background. They might become more prominent on subsequent tastings, but for now this is only another mid-level mezcal to me.
Jack-fruit sweetness mixed with an understated but distinctly iodine smoke on the nose – and just a touch of vanilla. Taste is unexpectedly non-sweet by comparison, earthy and peppery, with an almost antiseptic smoke note and a nice spicy warmth on the finish. There are definitely some sweeter vanilla and vaguely fruity notes in the mix but they are mostly hiding in the background. They might become more prominent on subsequent tastings, but for now this is only another mid-level mezcal to
Zack Klamn
542 reviewsBottle No. KH8415
Nose: Grassy. Citrus. Medium smoke.
Palate: Light viscous feel – somewhat slick though. Sweetness is interesting – if it exists – a fruit punch creamsicle. Tobacco and white pepper in the middle. Warm, wet stone aftertaste and some brine. As it fades away there is a slight numbing effect (Sichaun pepper but not nearly as spicy).
This seemed mediocre at first but vastly improved after a few sips. Good value as well.
kurten33
3 reviewsThe first time I got this mezcal is because I loved the looks of the bottle. The mezcal is the best mezcal for the price. The smooth, very lightly smoky flavor makes it easy to drink for people new to mezcal and surprisingly enjoyable for those experienced mezcal connoisseurs. When it goes down, it hardly leaves a burn and it leaves an enjoyable after taste. Most of my guest that tried it have been delighted with the smoothness of its flavor. Definitely worth trying it. For the price it is the best value that will leave you completely satisfied. Bottle JX6087
The first time I got this mezcal is because I loved the looks of the bottle. The mezcal is the best mezcal for the price. The smooth, very lightly smoky flavor makes it easy to drink for people new to mezcal and surprisingly enjoyable for those experienced mezcal connoisseurs. When it goes down, it hardly leaves a burn and it leaves an enjoyable after taste. Most of my guest that tried it have been delighted with the smoothness of its flavor. Definitely worth trying it. For the price it is the
Bety85
2 reviewsThis is my favorite mezcal thus far. I have tried other more expensive bottles and they do not compare to this one. This one is great value for the price. Great smoky flavor and very smooth. Perfect for sipping. Even my mom who does not drink much alcohol asks for a shot for sipping every time she comes over.
ToastyMick
6 reviewsA little thin. Although it is smoky it feels thin to me. Great for the price however. A nice balanced flavor with the usual notes
Safetyline29
8 reviewsMontelobos Espadin is very smokey on the nose. It opens up nicely yet has a petrol finish. It is very citrusy with strong hints of ash and charred mesquite. Enjoyable and affordable.
edgy4sure
39 reviewsnope, not a fan of the espadin – the tobala and ensemble are sooo good though, it makes up for the espadin
TheAuditor
38 reviewsI had this blind, so keep that in mind when reading these notes
Nose: Earthy, Minerality, lemon zest, brine, light smoked meat, cream cheese,
Palate: Light mouthfeel, light cream cheese, slight earthy minerality, light campfire smoke.
Finish: Short, brine, minerals, black pepper, light cream funk, light campfire smoke.
Rating: 5/10
This isn’t bad, it has some good flavors going on it, but it feels really muted and could benefit from a bit more proof perhaps. Its inoffensive. The nose writes a check the palate and finish could not cash.
This has good stuff going on under it all, and the nose was interesting. However, it is knocked down for just falling into the inoffensive side of the flavor spectrum for me. For a budget option though, you could do much worse and this would be a good bottle to introduce someone to Mezcal, and good budget option.
I had this blind, so keep that in mind when reading these notes
Nose: Earthy, Minerality, lemon zest, brine, light smoked meat, cream cheese,
Palate: Light mouthfeel, light cream cheese, slight earthy minerality, light campfire smoke.
Finish: Short, brine, minerals, black pepper, light cream funk, light campfire smoke.
Rating: 5/10
This isn’t bad, it has some good flavors going on it, but it feels really muted and could benefit from a bit more proof perhaps. Its inoffensive. The nose writes a
MezPal20
11 reviewsA nose of roasted green peppers, burnt mild white cheese, a touch of mineral, and a hint of sugar water. The taste is sweet and vegetal at the same time, with notes of fresh agave, charred wood, and white pepper. Thin, yet viscous mouthfeel. The finish begins with a hint of salt and green citrus, like lime or pomelo, more spicy pepper, and then fades to a nice semidry smokiness.
This is the first artesanal mezcal I’ve ever tried, and only the second mezcal ever if you count Monte Albán, so I don’t have a lot of experience to draw from. However, I’ve tried over 100 scotches in my time and I tend to lean towards the Islays. As a lover of smoky libations I can tell you, you can’t go wrong with this!
A nose of roasted green peppers, burnt mild white cheese, a touch of mineral, and a hint of sugar water. The taste is sweet and vegetal at the same time, with notes of fresh agave, charred wood, and white pepper. Thin, yet viscous mouthfeel. The finish begins with a hint of salt and green citrus, like lime or pomelo, more spicy pepper, and then fades to a nice semidry smokiness.
This is the first artesanal mezcal I’ve ever tried, and only the second mezcal ever if you count Monte Albán, so I
maysville
2 reviewsDefinitely a go to bottle for introducing my friends to Mezcal. Easy drinking. Well balanced smoky flavor. Not overly intense.
MssMadrid
2 reviewsSmoky and well balanced. Organic Mezcal. Good value for money
t8ke
144 reviewsHoney, pineapple, citrus, clay, creamy. A nice blend of sweet and earthy, without a lot of ethanol or pungent character.
Not a massive flavorful beast but very nice and a solid array of flavors. Nothing mindblowing, but nothing bad, either. A good budget option.
JJHenderson
10 reviewsGood quality stuff if a bit unexciting. A well made matatlan espadin. Does what it says on the tin.
kevjo
3 reviewsFound this Mezcal incredibly easy to drink with a very smooth mouthfeel. I found it to be more of a smooth smokey tequila than a complex mezcal blossoming with nuanced flavour. I would purchase it as an entry from tequila to mezcal or for an easy tequilasque sipper. Would buy if reasonably priced.
bertie
2 reviewsOne of my favorites – nice smoky flavor and relatively inexpensive for a mezcal. Great bang for the buck.
Aevillalobos
1 reviewThis is by far the best Mezcal, real smoky, charcoal, wood, pepper. I highly recommend it
AndreAbiRamia
6 reviewsAlcohol, leather, sugar on the nose. Herbal? Syrupy, sweet, fruity on the mouth. Oily. Light smokiness far away. Mineral, peppery finish. Expected more.
Lote número: VB4619
rsidrys
50 reviewsSmokey, pungent, and sweet. Lots of smoke all arround, but it’s offset by other characteristics like citrus. While it had a vegetal green agave pungency, it also had sweet cooked agave, especially on the palate. A strong black pepper and mineral finish with oily mouthfeel. I’m not necessarily saying this is a bad thing, but that pungent note makes this taste more like a “smokey Tequila” than a mezcal.
Dave
12 reviewsThis was the first mezcal I ever tried down in México. This is a very beginner mezcal. It tasted very clean, very sugary, very light.
I had not found this back in the states until I had tried several dozen other mezcal. I agree with others. There is nothing wrong with this mezcal, it just does not have the depth that I have grown to love in other mezcal.
Use this one to introduce your friends or to mix. You cant go wrong with those uses.