Synths and Spirits is about pairing synths with spirits (like the boozy kind) that fit a vibe. Mezcal, to me, is all about kicking back, relaxing, and enjoying the spirits in a laid-back studio session with sick mood lighting and not much else to distract me. No over-the-top tasting notes or production-laced tech jargon—just combinations that work for the vibe I’m after while chilling late night in the stu. Today, it’s Dos Hombres Espadin Mezcal and the Ableton Move. Dos Hombres might come with some celebrity hype, but it’s a solid mezcal in its own right.

The Ableton Move is all about quick, portable creativity—direct, effective, and easy to integrate into any setup, just like the mezcal and we’ll be talking about the spirit’s best qualities, what it could do better, and my favorite synth (or studio tool in general) that it works best.

Just remember, drink responsibly and create constantly!

Spirit Overview: Dos Hombres Espadin Mezcal

Dos Hombres Mezcal comes out of San Luis del Rio, a small town in Oaxaca that sticks to the old ways of mezcal-making. Created by Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, who you probably know from Breaking Bad, the mezcal was crafted with the help of mezcalero Gregorio Velasco Luis. These guys weren’t interested in just slapping their names on a bottle—they wanted something that felt real. The Espadin agave used in Dos Hombres grows for six years before it’s roasted in underground pits, milled by a tahona, and distilled in copper.

In terms of design and branding, Dos Hombres keeps things pretty minimalist. The bottle design is standard—a straight-sided, cylindrical shape, topped with a wood and cork stopper. Nothing about the bottle itself screams unique, but the label gives it some personality. With its blue-green agave illustration and two red donkeys, they’re clearly leaning into that rustic, partnership vibe. It reminds me of Casamigos in a lot of ways, but with just enough tweaks to keep it distinct. Still, this bottle might blend in on the shelf if you didn’t know the backstory.

It’s a straightforward mezcal aimed at authenticity, and you can taste it.

The flavors are simple and unpretentious, much like the Ableton Move—both are about delivering quality without complicating things.

Tasting Notes

Pouring a glass of Dos Hombres, you first pick up the smoky, earthy aroma—a classic mezcal scent that doesn’t overwhelm you. It’s the drink that invites you to take it slow, perfect for a relaxed jam session which is exactly what the Move is great for. Here’s what stood out to me after knocking a couple back alongside the Move:

• Apples: There’s an initial burst of tangy apple—bright and sharp, it gives a crisp edge before the smokiness takes over.
• Mango & Local Fruits: A hint of tropical sweetness comes through—like a gentle mango touch. It’s understated but enough to soften the smoke and add some balance.
• Wood & Smooth Smoke: The smoke is exactly what a lot of people are looking for in a spirit like this —rich, earthy, and lingering.

Taking a sip, the flavor doesn’t change much—it’s a linear mix of smoke, apple, and a bit of brininess. The smoke sticks around for a while, which can either be great or a bit much, depending on your mood, but it hit the spot while I was throwing a quick drum groove together on the Move.

Throwing some ice in, I was hoping it’d bring out more complexity or mellow the smoke a bit, but instead, it leaned towards that same smoky profile, almost like a watered-down scotch, which I’m all for during more relaxed and chill jam session, but I understand that’s not the vibe for everyone.

Why This Mezcal Pairs with the Ableton Move

The Ableton Move is a natural match for Dos Hombres Mezcal.

Both are ideal for those moments when you just want to relax and let creativity flow without pressure. Both are designed for simplicity and directness—no extra frills, just the essentials. The mezcal has that straightforward, smoky, and fruity profile, and the Move is all about capturing ideas fast. When I was playing around with some grooves, the bright, crisp synth tones from the Move felt like they matched up well with the fresh apple notes of the mezcal. The mezcal’s fruity elements and the synth’s clean sounds were in sync, making the session feel cohesive.

On the other hand, the mezcal’s smoky depth blended perfectly with the Move’s analog feel. The Move might be limited to four tracks, but that’s what makes it work—you have to focus on what matters, much like the mezcal, which doesn’t overwhelm you with layers.

It’s all about a straightforward experience, and that’s why the pairing works. Both the mezcal and the Move keep things minimal, direct, and effective, which made the whole experience more enjoyable.

Dos Hombres Espadin Mezcal and the Ableton Move are a solid vibe for keping things simple. This pairing works best when you’re in the mood to kick back and enjoy an unhurried creative session; whether that’s in the studio, on your couch, in bed, or anywhere really. That’s the real X-factor of the Move and a low-key sneaker-perk of the Mezcal. The mezcal brings a straightforward mix of easygoing fruit and smoke, while the Ableton Move lets you jump right into creating without any fuss.

It’s not about the flashiest setup or the most complex drink—it’s about enjoying the process.

This pairing is perfect for a solo session when you want to get lost in your own ideas for a while. Dos Hombres might not be the most intricate mezcal out there, but it’s steady, enjoyable, and does the job—just like the Move. If you’re looking to add something with a bit of atmosphere to your music-making setup, give this mezcal and synth combo a shot. You might just find your groove as you explore more pairings here in Synths and Spirits.