Mezcal is a type of Mexican alcoholic beverage in the tequila family. All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila! Mezcal is made by distilling agave.
Distillers make tequila by distilling blue weber agave, while tequila’s difference between mezcal is the distillation of any variety of agave. Most of the time mezcal is served straight in a glass.
It is usually stronger than tequila since most mezcals have an ABV of around 50%. It is a refreshing, sipping alcohol that is perfect for any time of the year!
Del Maguey Tobalá
This mezcal is made with maguey Tobala, which is a type of agave, and the flavor profile is sweet with fruity notes. It has a 46% ABV and finishing notes of mango and cinnamon flavor for a perfectly smooth finish.
The brand is based in Oaxaca, Mexico, and bottles its mezcal in iconic green glass bottles.
Ilegal Mezcal
Ilegal Mezcal is a brand created by a bar owner in Guatemala. The brand focuses on providing quality mezcal while staying as sustainable as possible. The brand produces three types of mezcal, reposado, anejo, and joven, each made by using 100% Espadin agave.
Rey Campero Tepextate
This mezcal is made from wild Tepextate agave. Rey Campero means King of the Countryside in Spanish, and the brand is about presenting the culture of the small towns in Oaxaca that inspire them.
The agave has matured 15-18 years before harvesting creating the perfect mix of jalapeno and green bell pepper tastes on the nose with a light mint finish.
El Jolgorio Barril
El Jolgorio Barril is a mezcal with a delicate balance of sweetness, citrus flavors, and a crisp minerality. It is earthy and refreshing, which makes it a great sipping drink. With a 47% ABV, you should sip this refreshing Oaxacan mezcal.
The brand is about embracing joy and community, so this is a great mezcal to share with others.
Nuestra Soledad Mezcal
This brand makes its types of mezcal with 100% Espadin agave, and each variety of mezcal is reflective of the village in which it is made. There are six varieties, and each one has flavors that showcase the differences of each village, while still adhering to the brand as a whole.
Bozal Tobasiche
Tobasiche is a type of agave that comes from the Karwinskii agave family. It is herbaceous and has cedar-like aromatics giving it an earthy finish. It is made in the artisanal method using a copper pot still and has tasting notes of quine, anise, and a strong minerality.
The herbaceous taste comes in at the finish to make a well-rounded earthy mezcal.
Clase Azul Durango Mezcal
Clase Azul is a brand known for luxury and good taste. The Durango mezcal is made from Cenizo agave that grows in the northern area of Mexico. It has an herb and citrus aroma and has flavors of honey, peanut, brown sugar, wood, chocolate, and fruit notes.
El Silencio Mezcal Espadin
This mezcal brand claims to be a return to artisanal mezcal making and a commitment to sustainability. The espadin is a great mixing mezcal. You can sip it on its own or add it to your favorite cocktail.
It has a more intense, deeper flavor profile with a slight spice. It is usually enjoyed in a spicy margarita or bloody maria.
Mal Bien Espadin Mezcal
Mal Bien Espadin Mezcal is produced using ancient methods to create a mezcal that is true to its roots. The brand is a collection of agave spirits from many small producers throughout Mexico. It is a brand that values history and authenticity.
Peloton De La Muerte Espadin
This artisanal mezcal is produced by the Mexican brand, Peloton De La Muerte. The brand has a revolutionary spirit and adheres to traditional ways of making smooth mezcals.
The Espadin is double distilled in copper pots and made from 100% espadin agave. The flavor profile is the perfect balance of agave, herbal notes, and caramel.
Cheers!
This list of the best mezcals is not exhaustive, but it serves as a guideline for brands with unique flavor profiles that are easy to sip and enjoy. Leave a comment and mention your favorite mezcal product!
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