The Lost Explorer Espadín Joven Mezcal

The Lost Explorer Espadín Joven Mezcal is a sweet-herbaceous expression from Oaxaca crafted for balance and finesse. Hand-harvested Espadín agaves are earth-roasted in conical pits, wild-fermented, and double-distilled under Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos. Bottled at 42% to showcase ripe agave clarity and a gentle plume of smoke, it glides with red-apple brightness, fresh herbs and mellowed wood—equally compelling for refined sipping, radiant cocktails and considered gifting.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Fresh herbs and a flicker of woodsmoke on the nose, with red apple and ripe fruit. The palate is sweet-leaning yet poised: roasted agave, orchard fruit and green herbal lift. A smooth, lingering finish leaves mild smoked wood and clean minerality.

Key Details

• Distillery: The Lost Explorer – Don Fortino Ramos (NOM 0404X)
• Type: Joven Mezcal
• Region: Oaxaca, Mexico
• ABV: 42%
• Volume: 700ml
• Agave Type: 100% Espadín
• Signature Serve: Neat or Over Ice

Cocktail Pairings

A Smoky Paloma blushes pink—grapefruit soda, lime and a Tajín rim lifting citrus and smoke. The Mezcal Mule marries ginger bite with herbal freshness over crushed ice. A dusky Mezcal Negroni weaves bittersweet depth for late-evening elegance. Keep it elemental with an Oaxacan Old Fashioned—agave syrup and orange bitters over a single rock. For a tasting ritual, sip alongside pear with sea salt or tangerine with Tajín.

Craftsmanship & Story

Grown 8–12 years on ancestral Mixtec land, Espadín piñas are pit-roasted with local wood and stone, milled, then wild-fermented in open oak before double distillation in copper alembics. Don Fortino Ramos—assisted by daughter Xitlali—bottles at 42% for a signature harmony of agave sweetness, herbaceous lift and gentle smoke.

Special Features

Three agaves planted for every one harvested; no insecticides; recycled-glass bottles, natural cork and beeswax finish. A sustainability-led mezcal that pairs artisanal heritage with modern stewardship and a precise, fruit-forward profile.

Recognition & Accolades

This mezcal has garnered global acclaim, recognised by critics and competitions alike:

• Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2021)
• Gold – International Spirits Challenge (2021)
• 93/100 Points – The Tasting Panel (2021)
• Silver & 91/100 Points – International Wine & Spirit Competition (2021)
• Silver – The Tequila & Mezcal Masters, Joven Mezcal (2021)
• Excellent – Difford’s Guide (2021)
• 86/100 Points – Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2021)

In addition, it’s widely praised for artisan integrity, elegant balance and sustainability in practice.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A distinctive, sustainability-minded mezcal—ideal neat, over ice or in sophisticated cocktails. A thoughtful luxury gift for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate thanks and curated home bars.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.