Tres Papalote Espadin Mezcal
Tres Papalote Espadin Mezcal is a 100% Espadín artisanal joven from Oaxaca, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750mL bottle. A collaboration between Manhasset, NY importer Riviera Imports and actor Cheech Marin — partner and chief ambassador, whose personal Chicano art collection supplies the brand's bottle artwork — this Espadín is earth-pit baked, tahona-crushed, and double-distilled in the Oaxacan tradition, artisanal and additive-free. Brand tasting notes: herbal and citrus up front, smoky bold finish, with sweet potatoes, hot red pepper, flint, pine, plantain, and caramel. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof) — verify bottle label (importer's page currently states 42%)
- Size: 750mL
- Agave: 100% Espadín (A. angustifolia), unaged joven
- Production: Earth-pit baking, stone-wheel (tahona) crushing, double distillation — artisanal, additive-free
- Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico
- Brand: Cheech Marin × Riviera Imports (rivieraimports.com/tres-papalote)
Cheech's Mezcal
Tres Papalote pairs traditional Oaxacan mezcal-making with one of America's most famous Chicano art collections — each bottle carries artwork from Cheech Marin's personal holdings, and Marin serves as the brand's chief ambassador alongside mixology ambassador Yusef Austin. The Espadín expression is the classic entry: 100% maguey espadín, hand-crafted and artisanally distilled. See the Tres Papalote range and more mezcal.
Tasting Notes
Herbal and citrus notes up front with a smoky, bold finish; sweet potatoes, hot red pepper, citrus and flint, pine, plantain, and a caramel finish. Fruity, vegetal, and pleasantly sweet with a touch of mint and subtle smoke.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a copita, or in cocktails where you want real mezcal character at 80 proof — a Tres Papalote margarita keeps the smoke present without overpowering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Tres Papalote Mezcal?
It's a collaboration between importer Riviera Imports and actor Cheech Marin (of Cheech & Chong), who is the brand's partner and chief ambassador.
Is Tres Papalote Espadin aged?
No — it's an unaged joven, artisanal and additive-free.
What is the ABV of Tres Papalote Espadin?
Most retailers list 40% ABV (80 proof); the importer's page currently states 42% — check your bottle's label.
Art you can drink — buy Tres Papalote Espadin Mezcal online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.