Pierde Almas Mezcal Espadin
Pierde Almas Mezcal Espadin is a robust joven mezcal from San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca — 100% espadín agave, pit-roasted and copper pot distilled, bottled at roughly 49% ABV in a 750mL bottle (the exact figure varies slightly by artisanal lot). Made by maestro mezcalero Gregorio Velasco Luis, it is a savory, smoke-and-pepper mezcal with a long finish that holds its own neat or in cocktails. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: ~49% (varies slightly by lot — see bottle)
- Size: 750mL
- Class: Joven — 100% espadín agave (A. angustifolia)
- Origin: San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca, Mexico — Pierde Almas (Diageo)
- Production: 8-10-year agaves, roasted in earthen pits, copper pot stills
Oaxaca's Lost Souls
"Pierde Almas" means "lost souls," and the brand was founded in 2008 as a collaboration between Jonathan Barbieri and the Sanchez family of Oaxacan mezcaleros — one of the labels that helped carry traditional mezcal to the world stage before joining the Diageo portfolio. The espadín here grows 8 to 10 years before harvest, then takes the classic path: earthen-pit roast, wild fermentation, and distillation in copper pot stills. It is mezcal made the old way, bottled at full flavor.
Tasting Notes
Per the Diageo Bar Academy: "a robust mezcal with a complex profile of smoke, pepper, and subtle chocolate, with a long savory finish that holds strong in the mouth." Retailer notes add strong floral and sweet roasted agave on the nose with anise and low-level smoke, dark chocolate on the palate, and a smooth finish.
How to Enjoy
Sip it neat at room temperature in a copita or small rocks glass to catch the smoke and pepper. At ~49% ABV it stands up to cocktails — a mezcal old fashioned or a smoky margarita variation — and its savory edge pairs well with grilled meats and Oaxacan-style moles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pierde Almas Espadin taste like?
Smoke, pepper, and subtle chocolate with roasted agave sweetness and a long savory finish — a robust, full-flavored joven mezcal.
What is the ABV of Pierde Almas Espadin?
Around 49% ABV, though the exact figure varies slightly by artisanal lot; check the bottle for the lot-specific number.
Is Pierde Almas Espadin aged?
No — it is a joven (unaged) mezcal, bottled clear after distillation.
Who makes Pierde Almas?
Pierde Almas is produced in San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca, by maestro mezcalero Gregorio Velasco Luis, and is part of the Diageo portfolio.
For more from this Oaxacan house, browse Pierde Almas, and for agave spirits generally see our tequila and mezcal shelves. Order Pierde Almas Mezcal Espadin online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.