Banhez Tobalá Joven is a 100% Tobalá (Agave potatorum) mezcal artesanal from the Banhez co-operative in Oaxaca, bottled at 47% ABV.
Banhez is produced by Integradora Comercial de Ejutla, a co-operative of more than 35 families in San Miguel Ejutla, Oaxaca, who make traditional mezcal with recipes and methods passed down through their families for generations. The co-operative is committed to sustainable, fair-trade mezcal, cooked in underground wood-fired pits, crushed with donkey-pulled stone tahonas, fermented in wooden tanks and distilled in small copper batches.
This Tobalá is made by maestro mezcalero Gonzalo Hernández Bigotes in La Compañía, Oaxaca, at about 1,483 metres. The agave is fermented with natural yeasts for five to six days and distilled in copper. Tobalá is one of the most revered agave species thanks to its scarcity and small size.
It shows intense aromatics and a smooth profile, with green mango, leather and fresh green herbs, and a refreshing herbaceous note.
Sip it slowly from a copita at room temperature.
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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Agave: 100% Tobalá (Agave potatorum).
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Profile: Green mango, leather and fresh green herbs.
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Maestro: Gonzalo Hernández Bigotes.
Specifications
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Producer: Banhez co-operative (Integradora Comercial de Ejutla)
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Style: Mezcal Artesanal, Joven
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Agave: Tobalá (Agave potatorum)
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Maestro: Gonzalo Hernández Bigotes
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Fermentation: Natural yeast, 5-6 days
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Distillation: Copper
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Proof / ABV: 94 proof (47% ABV)
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Region: La Compañía, Oaxaca, Mexico
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat from a copita at room temperature. It pairs with fresh fruit, ceviche or mole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Banhez?
A co-operative of more than 35 families in San Miguel Ejutla, Oaxaca.
What agave is it?
100% Tobalá, Agave potatorum.
What does it taste like?
Green mango, leather and fresh green herbs.
Explore more in our Tequila collection.