This is the rested member of the 400 Conejos family, and it makes for an unusually clean comparison with the unaged Joven because almost nothing else changes. The label prints the full process, and every line matches the Joven exactly: agave from Tlacolula in Oaxaca, roasted in a wood fired cone shaped stone oven, milled by stone pulled by horse, fermented in wooden vats and distilled in copper pots. One line is added, and it is the whole story. Tipo de barrica: roble americano. American oak. That single change reshapes the spirit considerably. Where the Joven is bright, herbal and led by cooked agave and citrus, the barrel softens the smoke, rounds the edges and layers vanilla, caramel and a light wood spice underneath. Resting also draws the color, which here is a pale honey gold rather than the clear of an unaged mezcal. Reposado is a middle position by design. There is enough time in wood to genuinely change the character but not enough to bury the agave, so the roasted maguey and gentle campfire smoke still come through clearly, just wrapped in something warmer. That combination makes this the easiest 400 Conejos to hand to someone who thinks mezcal is not for them, because the oak sweetness takes the edge off the smoke without disguising it. Serve it neat in a copita at room temperature, or over a single large cube. It is also a strong choice for a smoky Old Fashioned or an agave forward Manhattan variation, where the vanilla and wood give the drink something to hold onto.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Mexico |
| Region |
Oaxaca |
| Town |
Tlacolula |
| Category |
Mezcal Artesanal |
| Expression |
Reposado |
| Maguey |
100% Espadín |
| Oven |
Wood fired, cone shaped stone |
| Milling |
Stone pulled by horse |
| Fermentation |
Wooden vat |
| Distillation |
Copper pots |
| Maturation |
American oak barrels |
Tasting Notes
Color: Pale honey gold, drawn from time in American oak.
Nose: Roasted agave and soft wood smoke lead, with vanilla, caramel and a light citrus lift behind.
Palate: Smooth and rounded, with cooked agave sweetness moving into vanilla, toasted oak and gentle baking spice, the smoke sitting underneath rather than in front.
Finish: Warm and medium long, closing on oak, agave and a soft trace of smoke.
FAQ
What proof is 400 Conejos Reposado? It is bottled at 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol by volume.
What does reposado mean for mezcal? That the mezcal has rested in wood, which under Mexican standards means between two months and one year. It softens the spirit and adds color and oak character.
How does it differ from the 400 Conejos Joven? The production is identical in every respect, from the town to the oven, mill, fermentation and stills. The only difference is that this rests in American oak barrels, which adds vanilla and caramel and softens the smoke.
What barrels is it rested in? American oak, stated directly on the label as roble americano.
Is it a good first mezcal? It is arguably the most approachable in the range, because the oak sweetness softens the smoke without hiding the agave character underneath.
Where can I buy 400 Conejos Reposado Mezcal online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
