Banhez Arroqueño Joven Mezcal – 94 Proof (47% ABV) | 750ml

Banhez Arroqueño Joven Mezcal is an artisanal Oaxacan mezcal crafted from 100% Arroqueño agave (Agave americana var. oaxacensis), a large, slow-maturing agave variety valued for its distinctive character and complexity. Produced through the Banhez Mezcal Cooperative in Oaxaca, Mexico, this unaged expression showcases the natural qualities of Arroqueño without the influence of barrel maturation. Bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) in a 750ml bottle, Banhez Arroqueño highlights the rich agave character, earthy complexity, herbal qualities, and layered flavors associated with this traditional mezcal variety.

Unlike the brand's flagship Espadín-Barril Ensamble, this expression focuses exclusively on Arroqueño, offering an opportunity to explore the characteristics of a single agave variety.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Artisanal Mezcal

Style: Joven / Unaged

Agave: 100% Arroqueño (Agave americana var. oaxacensis)

Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico

Producer: Banhez Mezcal Cooperative

Agave Maturation: Commonly 15–20 Years or Longer, Depending on Growing Conditions

Production Style: Traditional Artisanal Mezcal

Aging: Unaged

Alcohol Content: 47% ABV (94 Proof)

Bottle Size: 750ml

Profile: Cooked Agave • Earth • Herbs • Fruit • Roasted Notes • Subtle Smoke

Process & Production

Banhez Arroqueño Joven Mezcal begins with mature Arroqueño agave, a variety of Agave americana traditionally used in mezcal production throughout Oaxaca.

Arroqueño is recognized for its large size and extended growing cycle. Depending on environmental conditions, these agaves can require approximately 15 to 20 years or longer to reach maturity.

This extended maturation allows the plant to develop the reserves needed for traditional mezcal production.

Once mature, the agave is harvested and prepared for cooking, a process that converts its stored carbohydrates into fermentable sugars while developing the roasted-agave character associated with mezcal.

Following cooking, the agave is processed and fermented, allowing additional aromatic and flavor compounds to develop.

The fermented liquid is then distilled to produce a concentrated agave spirit.

The finished mezcal is presented as a joven expression, meaning it is bottled without oak maturation. This allows the characteristics developed through the agave, fermentation, and distillation process to remain prominent.

Banhez Arroqueño is bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof), maintaining the intensity and structure of its agave-forward profile.

Appearance

Crystal clear and bright, reflecting its unaged presentation without the influence of oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Expressive aromas of cooked agave, fresh herbs, earthy notes, and subtle fruit, accompanied by gentle roasted characteristics.

Palate: Rich and layered with roasted agave, earthy complexity, herbal notes, and fruit, balanced by subtle smoke and natural agave sweetness.

Finish: Lingering cooked agave, herbs, earth, and gentle smoky notes, with a warming conclusion.

These tasting descriptors reflect characteristics commonly associated with Arroqueño mezcal rather than a verified official tasting profile for this specific Banhez bottling.

What Makes It Special

The defining characteristic of Banhez Arroqueño Joven Mezcal is its use of 100% Arroqueño agave.

Arroqueño is one of the larger agave varieties used in traditional mezcal production, with mature plants capable of reaching considerable size.

Its long growing cycle distinguishes it from more widely cultivated varieties such as Espadín, which generally reaches maturity in a shorter period.

The species is associated with a complex flavor profile that can include cooked agave, earthy notes, herbs, fruit, and roasted characteristics.

Another important element is Banhez's cooperative production model.

Banhez works with Oaxacan mezcal-producing families to preserve traditional mezcal-making knowledge while supporting the communities responsible for crafting its spirits.

By producing a single-agave Arroqueño expression, the brand allows mezcal enthusiasts to explore the distinctive characteristics of this slow-growing agave variety.

At 94 proof, the mezcal retains a substantial bottling strength that complements its expressive agave character.

How to Enjoy

Banhez Arroqueño Joven Mezcal is best enjoyed neat to appreciate the distinctive characteristics of the Arroqueño agave.

Serve at room temperature in a traditional copita or small mezcal tasting glass.

Allow the spirit to rest briefly after pouring, then take small sips to explore its roasted-agave, earthy, herbal, and fruit characteristics.

For enthusiasts interested in comparing agave varieties, Banhez Arroqueño can be tasted alongside expressions made from Espadín, Tobalá, Tepeztate, Cuishe, or Jabalí.

These comparisons highlight how different agave species and growing conditions influence the character of traditional Oaxacan mezcal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the alcohol content of Banhez Arroqueño Mezcal?

Banhez Arroqueño Joven Mezcal is bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof).

What type of agave is used in Banhez Arroqueño?

It is produced from 100% Arroqueño agave (Agave americana var. oaxacensis).

Where is Banhez Arroqueño produced?

Banhez Arroqueño is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico, through the Banhez Mezcal Cooperative.

How long does Arroqueño agave take to mature?

Arroqueño agave commonly requires approximately 15 to 20 years or longer to reach maturity, depending on growing conditions.

Is Banhez Arroqueño aged?

No. Banhez Arroqueño is a joven mezcal, meaning it is bottled without barrel aging.

What does Banhez Arroqueño taste like?

Arroqueño mezcal is commonly associated with cooked agave, earthy notes, herbal complexity, fruit, and roasted characteristics. Individual batches may vary.

What makes Arroqueño different from Espadín?

Arroqueño is a variety of Agave americana, while Espadín belongs to Agave angustifolia.

Arroqueño typically grows considerably larger and requires a longer maturation period than Espadín.

What is the difference between Banhez Arroqueño and Banhez Tobalá?

Banhez Arroqueño is made from Agave americana var. oaxacensis and is associated with rich agave, earthy, herbal, and roasted characteristics.

Banhez Tobalá is made from Agave potatorum and is known for its aromatic profile featuring green mango, leather, and fresh green herbs.

Both expressions are bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV).

Is Banhez Arroqueño good for sipping?

Yes. Its complex agave character and unaged presentation make it particularly well suited for enjoying neat.

What size bottle is this?

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of Banhez Arroqueño Joven Mezcal.

Pricing & Availability

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of Banhez Arroqueño Joven Mezcal, produced from 100% Arroqueño agave in Oaxaca, Mexico, and bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV). Available now while supplies last.

Brand Story

Banhez Mezcal is rooted in the traditional mezcal-producing communities of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Through its cooperative production model, Banhez works with local mezcaleros and their families to preserve traditional craftsmanship while supporting the communities responsible for producing its spirits.

The brand's portfolio highlights the diversity of agave varieties used in Oaxacan mezcal, from its flagship Espadín-Barril Ensamble to distinctive single-agave expressions.

Banhez Arroqueño Joven Mezcal represents this commitment to agave diversity through its use of 100% Arroqueño, a large, slow-maturing agave variety associated with rich and complex mezcal.

Bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV), this unaged expression showcases the roasted-agave, earthy, herbal, and fruit characteristics associated with Arroqueño and the traditional craftsmanship of Oaxacan mezcal production.