Casamigos Mezcal Joven 750ML

Casamigos Mezcal Joven 750ML is a 100% Espadín agave mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Produced by a fourth-generation family of mezcaleros in Santiago Matatlán — widely recognized as the world capital of mezcal — this joven expression showcases traditional pit-roasting and tahona milling in an approachable, unaged format.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico  |  Joven (Unaged)  |  NOM: O491X  |  100% Espadín Agave

Production & Heritage

Casamigos was founded in 2013 by George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman, initially as a tequila brand before expanding into mezcal. In 2017, Diageo acquired the brand in a deal valued at up to $1 billion. The mezcal line is produced in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, where Espadín agave hearts are slow-roasted in traditional underground earthen pits, imparting the characteristic smoky quality that defines the category. The roasted piñas are then crushed using a tahona — a large volcanic stone wheel — before the juice is twice distilled in copper pot stills. As a joven expression, the spirit goes directly to bottle without barrel aging, preserving the raw, vibrant character of the agave and smoke. Each bottle is handcrafted by a fourth-generation mezcalero family, and natural variation in the process means slight differences from batch to batch.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh herbal mint and dried oregano rise first, followed by delicate tones of wood smoke and a mineral earthiness. Hints of tropical fruit — tamarind and mango — emerge beneath the herbal layer as the spirit opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is soft for a mezcal, with sweet roasted agave giving way to a mid-palate of black pepper and dried thyme. Subtle licorice and pomegranate notes surface alongside a restrained smokiness that never overwhelms. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a slightly oily texture from the copper pot still distillation.

Finish: Long and silky, with lingering smoke, mineral nuances, and a faint herbal bitterness that keeps the palate engaged. A whisper of citrus and sweet agave lingers at the very end.

How to Drink Casamigos Mezcal

Sipping neat at room temperature is the most rewarding approach, allowing the full spectrum of smoke, herb, and fruit to unfold. A single ice cube can tame the smoke for those new to the category. This mezcal also works well in cocktails that benefit from its balanced smokiness:

• Mezcal Margarita: The herbal mint and citrus notes integrate seamlessly with fresh lime and agave nectar without losing the smoky backbone.
• Oaxacan Old Fashioned: Swapping bourbon for this mezcal brings earthy smoke and black pepper into the classic template, pairing beautifully with mole bitters.
• Naked & Famous: The balanced smoke and fruit character stands up to yellow Chartreuse and Aperol without being overshadowed.

Best For

• Introducing a tequila drinker to the mezcal category for the first time
• Building a mezcal-focused home cocktail menu
• Hosting a side-by-side tasting of joven Espadín mezcals
• Gifting someone who already enjoys the Casamigos tequila range

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Casamigos Mezcal taste like? It leads with roasted agave sweetness and delicate wood smoke, layered with fresh herbal mint, black pepper, dried oregano, and a long silky finish that carries mineral and licorice nuances.

How does Casamigos Mezcal compare to Los Vecinos Espadín? Both are 100% Espadín joven mezcals from Oaxaca, but Los Vecinos tends to deliver a more assertive, rustic smoke profile at a lower price point. Casamigos is generally smoother and more approachable, making it a frequent recommendation for mezcal newcomers.

Is Casamigos Mezcal good for beginners? Yes — its restrained smokiness and soft, herbal character make it one of the more accessible entry points into the mezcal category, especially for drinkers already familiar with Casamigos tequila.

Where is Casamigos Mezcal made? It is produced in Santiago Matatlán, a town in the Oaxaca region of southern Mexico that is widely considered the mezcal capital of the world. The spirit is made under NOM O491X by a fourth-generation mezcalero family.

What foods pair well with Casamigos Mezcal? Grilled carne asada benefits from the smoke-on-smoke interplay. Mole negro mirrors the mezcal's herbal complexity and subtle chocolate-adjacent earthiness. Fresh ceviche with citrus offsets the pepper and smoke. Dark chocolate with sea salt amplifies the licorice and mineral finish. Roasted corn with chile and lime echoes the sweet agave and spice.

What sizes does Casamigos Mezcal come in? The standard size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Casamigos Mezcal worth the price? Casamigos Mezcal positions as a premium joven mezcal, priced above many artisanal Espadín bottlings from smaller producers. Its value lies in accessibility and brand recognition rather than rarity, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing smoothness and mixability over raw intensity.

Why Casamigos Mezcal?

What distinguishes this bottling is its deliberate balance between traditional mezcal character and modern drinkability. The combination of earthen-pit roasting, tahona crushing, and copper pot still distillation follows time-honored Oaxacan methods, yet the finished spirit is noticeably softer and less aggressively smoky than many peers at this price tier. For drinkers crossing over from tequila — or spirits outside agave entirely — that measured approach removes a significant barrier to entry. The fourth-generation mezcalero pedigree behind the production adds legitimate craft credentials to a brand often associated primarily with celebrity ownership.