400 Conejos Mezcal Espadin Joven 750ML is a traditionally produced Oaxacan joven mezcal made from 100% Espadn agave, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). Named Mezcal of the Year at the 2025 International Bartender Spirits Awards (IBSA), this expression from Mexico’s best-selling mezcal brand delivers an approachable balance of smoke, cooked agave sweetness, and herbal complexity that has made it a bartender and consumer favorite.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Santiago Matatln, Oaxaca, Mexico | Joven (Unaged) | Maestro Mezcalero: Don Tacho | Owner: Casa Cuervo

Production & Heritage

400 Conejos is produced under the direction of maestro mezcalero Don Tacho in Santiago Matatln, a town widely regarded as the world capital of mezcal. Don Tacho selects Espadn agave only after it has reached full maturity at 8 to 10 years of growth, then roasts the pias in a traditional stone oven (horno) to develop the characteristic smoky sweetness. The cooked agave is crushed using a horse-drawn tahona before fermentation, and the spirit is double-distilled in copper pot stills. The brand is owned by Casa Cuervo, makers of Jose Cuervo Tequila, giving it substantial production resources while retaining artisanal methods rooted in Oaxacan tradition.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens gently with clean roasted agave and a whisper of menthol. Deeper investigation reveals unripe pineapple, mild cheddar-like funk, and a faint trace of smoked, salty ham that signals the spirit’s stone-oven origins.

Taste: The entry is sugary-sweet with ripe cooked agave, quickly layered by white pepper spice and fresh herbs including fennel. At mid-palate, a buttery richness emerges alongside bright citrus and tropical pineapple notes, all anchored by a measured smokiness that never overwhelms.

Finish: Medium in length with a pleasant smoky warmth that tapers into lingering herbal and agave sweetness. The close is clean and balanced, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink 400 Conejos

Sipping neat at room temperature is the most direct way to appreciate the agave character and gentle smoke; a few drops of water can open up the herbal and citrus layers further. Its smooth, balanced profile also makes it an excellent cocktail mezcal.

• Mezcal Margarita: The cooked agave sweetness and citrus notes integrate seamlessly with fresh lime and agave nectar.
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Paired with reposado tequila and mole bitters, the smoky backbone adds depth without dominating.
• Mezcal Paloma: Grapefruit soda amplifies the tropical and herbal qualities while the smoke provides a savory counterpoint.

Best For

• Introducing a friend to mezcal for the first time
• Building a home bar’s mezcal foundation for cocktails
• Hosting a blind tasting of accessible joven mezcals
• Gifting a tequila drinker ready to explore the broader agave spirits category

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 400 Conejos taste like? 400 Conejos delivers cooked agave sweetness balanced by white pepper, fresh herbs, fennel, and citrus, with a gentle smokiness that runs from start to finish. It is widely described as smooth and approachable rather than aggressively smoky.

How does 400 Conejos compare to Dos Hombres Mezcal? Both are joven Espadn mezcals from Oaxaca at 42% and 40% ABV respectively, but 400 Conejos leans slightly sweeter with more cooked-agave character, while Dos Hombres tends toward a brighter, more herbaceous profile. 400 Conejos also earned 2025 IBSA Mezcal of the Year, giving it notable industry recognition in its price tier.

Is 400 Conejos good for beginners? Yes its gentle smoke, balanced sweetness, and smooth finish make it one of the most frequently recommended entry-point mezcals. The 40% ABV keeps it approachable without sacrificing flavor.

Where is 400 Conejos made? It is produced in Santiago Matatln, Oaxaca, Mexico, a region considered the heartland of mezcal production. Maestro mezcalero Don Tacho oversees production using traditional stone-oven roasting, a horse-drawn tahona, and copper pot distillation.

What foods pair well with 400 Conejos? Grilled street corn (elote) complements the smoky sweetness; fresh ceviche highlights the citrus and herbal notes; dark chocolate with chili mirrors the warm spice; smoked pork tacos echo the stone-oven smokiness; and aged Oaxacan cheese bridges the savory, funky undertones.

What sizes does 400 Conejos come in? The standard U.S. bottle is 750ml. A 1-liter format is also available in select markets.

Is 400 Conejos worth the price? 400 Conejos positions as an entry-level mezcal that consistently punches above its price tier. Its artisanal production methods stone-oven roasting, tahona crushing, and copper pot distillation along with the 2025 IBSA Mezcal of the Year award make it strong value in the accessible mezcal segment.

Why 400 Conejos?

Winning Mezcal of the Year at the 2025 International Bartender Spirits Awards confirmed what bartenders across Mexico and the U.S. already knew: 400 Conejos delivers serious craft at an entry-level price. The fully traditional production chain mature 8-to-10-year Espadn agave, stone-oven roasting, horse-drawn tahona, and copper pot distillation is the same process used by many mezcals costing significantly more. As Mexico’s top-selling mezcal, it has the scale to remain widely available without cutting corners on method. For anyone building a mezcal collection or mixing agave-forward cocktails, this joven Espadn sets a reliable, award-backed baseline.