Anillos Mezcal is an artisanal ensamble of Espadín and wild Tobalá agave from Oaxaca, created by NBA champions Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson of All the Smoke and bottled at 88 proof (44% ABV).
The name means rings, a nod to the championship rings the founders earned on the court. Master mezcalero Edgar Martínez Juárez, a fifth-generation maker, handpicks and harvests the agave hearts at their prime. The two agaves are cooked underground and fermented together, then double distilled in small batches.
Espadín provides the consistent, smoky backbone of the flavor profile, while Tobalá adds a fresh citrus zest and a light, sweet character that lets the earthy, grassy notes come through. The result is a traditional mezcal with a fresh aroma and sweet taste, aromatic and approachable.
The bold skull label makes it a standout gift for basketball and mezcal fans.
Mezcal is made by roasting agave hearts, traditionally in earthen pits, then crushing, fermenting and distilling them, a process that gives the spirit its characteristic smoky depth. Each agave variety and each village brings its own character, which is why enthusiasts love exploring small-batch bottlings.
Mezcal and other agave spirits are traditionally sipped from a copita or a small clay cup, in small sips, often alongside orange slices dusted with sal de gusano. Many are made in tiny batches by individual families, so each bottle is a snapshot of a particular place, agave and season.
Tasting Notes
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Aroma: Fresh, with citrus zest.
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Palate: Light sweetness, earthy and grassy.
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Backbone: Gentle Espadín smoke.
Specifications
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Brand: Anillos Mezcal (Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson)
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Mezcalero: Edgar Martínez Juárez, 5th generation
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Agave: Espadín and wild Tobalá
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Category: Mezcal artesanal, double distilled
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Proof / ABV: 88 proof (44% ABV)
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Region: Oaxaca, Mexico
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat with orange slices, or mix a mezcal Margarita or Paloma. It pairs with grilled meats, tlayudas or citrus desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Anillos?
NBA champions Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson.
What agaves are used?
Espadín and wild Tobalá.
How smoky is it?
Balanced: Espadín smoke with Tobalá's citrus sweetness.
Explore more in our Mezcal collection.