Our Favorite Smoky Mezcals

Claimed to have “introduced artisanal mezcal to the world,” Del Maguey looks to the past to produce some of today’s most famous mezcal varieties. This brand dives deeply into the ancestral villages of this liquor’s founding to bring out the signature smoky flavors of this cousin to tequila.

Ilegal Mezcal Joven features a spirit infused with eucalyptus, apple, chile, and citrus flavors. This brand proudly broadcasts its signature, all-natural recipe featuring only agave, sun, and time.

Elote features prominently in Mexican culture; a cob of sweet corn covered in spices and fresh cheese for a delicious savory treat. Mezcal Vago Elote honors the two signature crops of Mexico in this liquor: corn and agave. 

Montelobos Mezcal Joven perfectly balances the essential flavor profiles of artisanal mezcal: green and cooked agave, wild fermentation, and smoke. This mezcal boasts aromas like freshly cut grass, honey, damp earth, and asparagus with a nutty, herbaceous flavor.

Doña Vega mezcal represents a break from the traditions of mezcal. For starters, this business is run by a team of women using a fifth-generation recipe. If you are looking for a nuanced, modern version of mezcal, try the Doña Vega Espadín, which offers a sweet, smoky flavor with white pepper flavors.

The Banhez Pechuga mezcal begins with a 100% Espadín mezcal base, distilled with several ingredients of cultural significance. In-season indigenous fruits and raw turkey breast join this mixture for a traditional flavor that enhances the mezcal’s smokiness.

Bozal Mezcal Ensamble combines three types of mezcal, including the Espadin, Barril, and Mexicano varieties. For one of the smokiest mezcals available, these three types lend characteristics of wildflowers, green peppers, creamy bananas, and herbs within this one liquor. 

Add Mezcal El Silencio to your favorite cocktails, or sip it on its own. This mezcal lends a subtle, smoky flavor to margaritas and palomas. The imposing black bottle of this mezcal brand is similar to the bold, hearty, and earthy flavor of this mezcal. This variety of Espadin mezcal highlights traditional techniques, including pressing the agave leaves with a tahona wheel.

Mezcales de Leyendes opened the first mezcal bar in Mexico City in 2005, opening the door wide to this authentic Mexican liquor. While many of the mezcals on this list come from Oaxaca in Southern Mexico, this brand is exploring mezcals within the official regions of Mezcal’s Denomination of Origin (D.O.) for distinct and unique flavors.

The next addition to my list of smokiest mezcals focuses on the mezcal tradition of Candelaria Yegolé. This small Oaxacan town boasts fertile ground within its many canyons and slopes. Pay attention to grassy, smoky, herbaceous, and fruity notes within this liquor.

Celebrity George Clooney owns this tequila and mezcal brand with a mission to produce delicious liquor you can drink straight. While the spokesperson is very Hollywood, the mezcal remains 100% authentic. The traditional distillation technique and authentic Oaxacan ingredients are used to produce the smoky and easy-drinking Casamigos Joven Mezcal.

The distinct, hand-carved bottle of Clase Azul Mezcal contains agave growing wild in the Durango region of Northern Mexico. Aromas of cloves, olives, and herbs hit you first, while the peanut, chocolate, and ripe fruit flavors linger. Pair this luxury liquor with a hearty avocado toast or rich fish dishes.

Born from a fourth-generation mezcalero, or mezcal maker. This artisanal mezcal offers three varieties. The brand’s ensemble, or blend of mezcals, features all three types of mezcal within one intoxicating blend. An unaged espadin and mezcal made from 100% tobala agave also make the limited range of small batch mezcals from this manufacturer.