El Buho Espadín is an artisanal joven mezcal made from 100% Espadín agave in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) in a 1-liter bottle.
El Buho was founded in 2010 by Brooklyn-based chef TJ Steele and is produced exclusively by the Jiménez Méndez family, fifth-generation mezcaleros in Santiago Matatlán, at the Don Isaac distillery, an operation dating back to 1880. The Espadín is grown at about 5,000 feet in Oaxaca's central valleys, and the brand's mission is to deliver a high-quality mezcal at an affordable price in an iconic owl bottle; el búho is Spanish for the owl.
The flagship has a light roast and smoke on the nose with roasted agave and vanilla. Medium in body, it shows caramel, red apple, salt and a leathery smoke, finishing with roasted agave, coffee and pepper. Versatile for sipping or mixing.
The iconic owl bottle makes it a striking gift.
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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Nose: Light roast, smoke, roasted agave, vanilla.
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Palate: Caramel, red apple, salt.
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Finish: Roasted agave, coffee, pepper.
Specifications
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Brand: El Buho, founded by TJ Steele
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Mezcaleros: Jiménez Méndez family, 5th generation
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Agave: 100% Espadín
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Style: Joven artisanal mezcal
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Proof / ABV: 90 proof (45% ABV)
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Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico
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Size: 1L
How to Enjoy It
Mix it into a mezcal Margarita, Paloma or Negroni, or sip it neat with orange slices. It pairs with tacos al pastor, grilled pineapple or mole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes El Buho?
The Jiménez Méndez family, fifth-generation mezcaleros in Santiago Matatlán.
What agave is used?
100% Espadín.
How does it taste?
Caramel, red apple and salt with smoke and coffee.
Explore more in our Mezcal collection.
