Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston are not just buddies on-screen but are co-owners of Dos Hombres Mezcal. There are mixed reviews on this mezcal despite being celebrity-endorsed. Some say it’s good, while other reviews claim it’s too smoky.
Let’s find out what this product is worth in this honest Dos Hombres Mezcal review.
Everything About Dos Hombres Mezcal
Dos Hombres Mezcal became popular because it is Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston’s Mezcal brand. “Two guys on a quest,” the translation of Dos Hombres in Spanish, describes the two Breaking Bad stars. They started Dos Hombres in 2019.
The success of George Clooney and Casamigos inspired them, but they knew that they needed an expert to produce the quality they wanted. This vision prompted them to bring in Gregorio Velasco. He is a third-generation Mezcalero who develops quality traditional Mezcal in this modern era.
Interesting Facts
How It’s Made
Dos Hombres uses Espadin fruits. They cook these agave fruits in earthen pits before using the Tahona method to extract the juice. The agave juice is processed between seven to ten days before it goes through distillation in copper stills. These stills are small but they can produce around 700 bottles within a month.
Key Ingredients
Dos Hombres is made of Espadin agaves harvested from San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca, Mexico. The second component is mountain spring water. There are no additives or other foreign ingredients added to this spirit.
Alcohol Content
There are two variants of this spirit. The fist is the Dos Hombres Tobala Mezcal Joven Artesanal which is 84-proof and has 42% ABV. The second is Dos Hombres Tobala Mezcal which is 90-proof, with 45%ABV.
Flavor Profile
Tasting Notes
To the palate, this spirit suggests a fresh, sweet flavor of the finest Espadin agave and fruit with notes of sapote and mango with a subtle hint of wood.
Aroma
To the nose is the smell of apple with pit-roasted Espadin. The scent transitions into a unique blend of sapote and fruit notes.
Hue
It is a good spirit with a very clear hue. The color is perfect for cocktails, but the smooth texture makes it great for sipping.
Finish
The finish has a smooth yet suppressed savory smoke originating from firewood.
Who Makes This Mezcal?
Gregorio Velasco, a third-generation Mescalero, makes these spirits. The Espadin agave plants are grown in a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is the same location where the Maestro Mescalero lives.
An earthen pit of hot stones is located nearby, where the agaves are cooked. Nearby, the Tahona stone is situated where it smashes the cooked fruits and extracts the juices. It is also where they fermented and distilled these spirits.
Do Aaron Paul & Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad Own It?
Yes, Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad own it. In June of 2021, Constellation Brands bought the minority stake, which means this brand is still operated and owned independently.
Common Dos Hombres Mezcal Prices
| Bottle Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Dos Hombres Tobala Mezcal | 750ml | 45% | $353 |
| Dos Hombres Espadin Mezcal | 750ml | 42% | $61 |
Compared to Other Mezcals
Montelobos Espadín
Montelobos Espadin is one of the popular Mezcal brands in the market. Similar to Dos Hombres, it is made with pure Espadin agaves. It has a balanced smoke and a uniquely tasty flavor.
It also has a very smooth texture, praised by Mezcal drinkers. A 750 ml bottle of Montelobos is roughly $44 with 43.2 % ABV.
Ilegal Mezcal Joven
Ilegal Mezcal Joven was “creatively” transported by John Rexer, its founder, in the early 2000s. He transported it to his bar, which is why “Originally produced for: Café No Sé Mezcal Bar” is written at the bottom of the bottles of this brand.
Like Dos Hombres, this mezcal has less smoke which elevates its savor. Each 750 ml bottle is roughly $42 with 40% ABV.
Mezcal Vago Elote
Mezcal Vago Elote is one of the best Mezcal ever produced. It has a unique savor. This drink is infused with roasted sweet corn.
Dos Hombres and Mezcal Vago Elote do not have similarities other than not being a smoke bomb. This drink has subtle agave and smoke flavors but a rich taste of tropical fruits, vanilla, and earth.
Read:
Popular Dos Hombres Mezcal Cocktail Recipes
Lady Lover
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time:2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces Dos Hombres
- ½ ounce Honey Syrup
- ½ ounce Liquor 43
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- ¾ ounce Lemon Juice
Instructions:
Rim half of the rocks glass with salt. Set aside. Place all ingredients inside a shaker and shake it very well.
Pour into the rimmed rummer. Serve and enjoy.
Serving: 1
Death To El Gusano
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces Dos Hombres
- 1-ounce Jalapeño/Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 2 Dashes Teapot Bitters
- ¾ ounce Lime Juice
Instructions:
Create the simple syrup first. Mix sugar, water, quartered jalapeños, and rosemary (1) sprigs in a pan and bring it to a boil. Set it aside for 24 hours—strain and place syrup in a container.
If you do not want to go through all these, you can also use store-bought syrup. Place all ingredients inside the shaker, including simple syrup. Shake vigorously. Serve.
Serving: 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is mezcal stronger than tequila?
Not necessarily. Both liquors have the same ABV range, 35% to 55%, 75-110 proof. However, the flavor of alcohol in a mezcal may be stronger than in tequila. In a way, many mezcals are stronger than tequila, or it could also be the other way around. However, the flavor of alcohol in a mezcal may be stronger than in tequila. So, will tequila give you a hangover?
Where is Dos Hombres Mezcal made?
Dos Hombres Mezcal is made in Oaxaca, Mexico. Everything that is used for its production is within the same location. The agave plantation is near the home of the Maestro Mescalero. The same goes for the cooking pit, fermenting area, and the Tahona extraction areas.
Is Dos Hombres Mezcal actually good?
Determining whether Dos Hombres Mezcal is “good” is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences.
Dos Hombres Mezcal, co-founded by actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, has received positive reviews for its distinctive flavor profile.
It’s often appreciated for its smoothness, smokiness, and the quality of its agave.
However, the perception of “good” can vary, and it’s recommended for enthusiasts to try it themselves to see if it aligns with their preferences.
What are the tasting notes for Dos Hombres Mezcal?
Dos Hombres Mezcal is known for its complex and smoky tasting profile. Tasting notes commonly associated with Dos Hombres Mezcal include hints of roasted agave, subtle citrus, and a well-balanced smokiness.
The mezcal is crafted using traditional methods, including roasting agave in earthen pits, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
Who owns Dos Hombres Mezcal?
Dos Hombres Mezcal is co-owned by actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, best known for their roles in the television series “Breaking Bad.”
The two actors developed an appreciation for mezcal while filming in Mexico and decided to start their own brand, which led to the creation of Dos Hombres Mezcal.
What proof is Dos Hombres Mezcal?
Dos Hombres Mezcal is available in different proof variations. The standard expression is often bottled at 90 proof (45% alcohol by volume).
However, variations in proof can occur, so it’s advisable to check the specific label or product details for the most accurate information.
Is mezcal the poor man’s tequila?
Referring to mezcal as the “poor man’s tequila” is a misconception. Mezcal and tequila are distinct spirits with different production methods, regions of origin, and flavor profiles.
While tequila is made primarily from blue agave in specific regions of Mexico, mezcal can be produced from various agave varieties and is traditionally associated with specific regions, such as Oaxaca.
Mezcal is known for its diverse and often complex flavors, including smokiness, which comes from the traditional underground pit-roasting process.
Both mezcal and tequila have premium expressions, and comparing them in terms of quality is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences.
It’s essential to appreciate each spirit for its unique characteristics rather than making assumptions based on stereotypes.
Why is mezcal so expensive?
Mezcal can be more expensive than some other spirits due to several factors:
Production Process: Mezcal is often produced using traditional methods, including harvesting agave by hand, roasting it in underground pits, and using stone grinding wheels. These labor-intensive processes contribute to higher production costs.
Agave Variety: Mezcal can be made from various agave varieties, some of which take many years to mature. Limited availability and longer maturation periods can impact the cost of production.
Artisanal Production: Many mezcals are produced by smaller, artisanal producers who focus on quality and traditional methods rather than mass production. This artisanal approach can lead to higher prices.
Small-Batch Production: Some mezcals are produced in limited quantities, contributing to their exclusivity and higher price tags.
What type of alcohol is Dos Hombres?
Dos Hombres is a mezcal. Mezcal is a type of distilled spirit made from agave plants, and it is often associated with Mexico. The brand Dos Hombres, co-owned by actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, specifically produces and markets mezcal.
What’s the difference between mezcal and tequila?
While both mezcal and tequila are distilled spirits originating from Mexico and made from agave plants, there are key differences:
Agave Varieties: Tequila must be made from the blue agave plant, while mezcal can be produced from various agave varieties.
Production Regions: Tequila is primarily produced in specific regions of Mexico, primarily Jalisco, while mezcal is traditionally associated with Oaxaca, though it can be made in several Mexican states.
Production Process: Mezcal is often produced using traditional methods, including roasting agave in earthen pits, leading to a distinct smoky flavor. Tequila production typically involves baking agave in above-ground ovens.
Flavor Profile: Mezcal is known for its diverse flavor profiles, often including smokiness. Tequila can vary from sweet and fruity to peppery, depending on the specific type.
Do you drink mezcal like tequila?
While both mezcal and tequila are often enjoyed neat or in cocktails, mezcal’s distinctive smoky flavor may influence how it’s consumed.
Some people prefer sipping mezcal to appreciate its unique characteristics, while others enjoy it in cocktails.
It’s versatile and can be consumed similarly to tequila, depending on personal preferences.
Is mezcal better quality than tequila?
The perception of whether mezcal is of better quality than tequila is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
Both spirits have high-quality expressions crafted by skilled producers. Mezcal’s unique smoky flavor and diverse agave varieties can make it appealing to those seeking a more complex and nuanced experience.
Tequila, with its own range of flavors and styles, is equally appreciated by enthusiasts.
Quality in both mezcal and tequila is often associated with production methods, agave quality, and the expertise of the distiller, and it’s advisable to explore both spirits to determine personal preferences.
Final Verdict: Dos Hombres Mezcal Review
Dos Hombres Espadin is a good mezcal. The full taste of agave blended with hints of woody and fruit notes mixed with just the right amount of light smoke made us enjoy every sip.
Some reviews say it is as boring as beer. Other reviews claim this brand can topple over any tequila brand. It has its rightful place in the market, and we are not wondering why it rose to the top almost instantly.
A drink with this savor and texture shows how much was put into its preparation to achieve the outcome.
Reference:
