Once Espíritus Joven is an artisanal 100% Espadín mezcal from Zimatlán de Álvarez, Oaxaca, made by mezcalero Joel Santiago Hernández and bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
Once Espíritus means eleven spirits, and each bottle is a spiritual journey honoring eleven sacred forces in mezcal making, celebrating tradition, nature and human connection. It is made from Agave angustifolia (Espadín) harvested at five to eight years old, milled by tahona and distilled in copper, a small-batch, unaged mezcal designed to let the natural qualities of the agave take center stage. Its central-valleys profile is cleaner and more approachable than high-smoke mezcals.
Fresh agave leads the nose with floral undertones, citrus zest, herbs and a touch of light smoke. The palate brings bright herbal notes and cooked agave, grilled pineapple, lime and a distinct mineral earthiness with black pepper and a silky mouthfeel, finishing clean and lingering with citrus peel and a subtle hint of smoke.
The black-and-emerald label makes it an elegant 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: Fresh agave, citrus zest, herbs, light smoke.
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Palate: Cooked agave, grilled pineapple, lime, minerality.
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Finish: Clean, citrus peel, gentle smoke.
Specifications
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Brand: Once Espíritus
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Mezcalero: Joel Santiago Hernández
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Agave: 100% Espadín (A. angustifolia), 5–8 years
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Process: Tahona milled, copper distilled
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Style: Joven mezcal artesanal
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Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
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Region: Zimatlán de Álvarez, Oaxaca, Mexico
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat with an orange slice and sal de gusano, or mix a Mezcal Margarita or Paloma. It pairs with tacos, grilled pineapple or fresh ceviche.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is it made?
In Zimatlán de Álvarez, Oaxaca.
How smoky is it?
Gently smoky, cleaner than high-smoke mezcals.
What does the name mean?
Eleven spirits, honoring eleven sacred forces.
Explore more in our Mezcal collection.
