If you come to Mexico and only drink tequila, you’re missing half the story.
Mezcal is older, more regional, and far more unpredictable. Unlike tequila, which uses one type of agave under strict production rules, mezcal can be made from dozens of agave varieties across Mexico. The result? One bottle might taste like citrus and herbs, another like wet stone and pepper, another rich and earthy with only a touch of smoke.
The best way to discover mezcal isn’t chasing expensive bottles—it’s understanding the agave behind it.
Here are ten mezcals worth trying while you’re in Mexico.
1. Real Minero (Oaxaca)
If mezcal has a cult favorite, this is it.
Real Minero is famous for preserving traditional methods and producing highly expressive spirits that focus on terroir and character rather than overwhelming smoke.
Expect mineral notes, earthy complexity, and a clean finish.
Best for: people who love whisky tastings, wine tastings, or craft spirits.
2. Del Maguey
One of the brands that introduced mezcal to the world.
Their village-specific approach makes tasting fun because bottles from different places feel completely different. Their famous Chichicapa expression is often balanced, approachable, and layered.
Best for: first-time mezcal drinkers.
3. NETA
This one is for the mezcal nerds.
NETA focuses on showcasing small producers and preserving individual styles rather than creating one consistent flavor profile.
Every bottle feels unique.
Best for: travelers who want something authentic and less commercial.
4. Rey Campero
Bold. Big personality.
Rey Campero has become known for highlighting unusual agave varieties and producing expressive, memorable bottles.
If you see a Tepextate expression, try it.
Best for: adventurous drinkers.
5. Derrumbes
Think of this as a mezcal road trip across Mexico.
Rather than focusing on one region, Derrumbes showcases expressions from different states so you can taste how geography changes the spirit.
Best for: comparing styles side by side.
6. Lalocura
Subtle, refined, and respected.
Lalocura produces traditional mezcals that lean more agricultural and elegant than aggressively smoky.
This is the bottle that often changes people’s minds about mezcal.
Best for: people who normally drink natural wine.
7. Convite
Modern presentation with serious quality.
Convite offers approachable bottles but also experiments with rarer agaves for people who want to explore.
A good middle ground between beginner and enthusiast.
Best for: discovering new agaves.
8. Mezcal Vago
Every bottle tells a story.
Their famous Elote expression incorporates roasted corn and shows how creative mezcal can become while staying traditional.
This is often the bottle people remember.
Best for: drinkers who think all mezcal tastes the same.
9. The Lost Explorer
Beautiful bottles, balanced spirits.
Known for cleaner, brighter expressions with herbal and citrus notes rather than heavy smoke.
Easy to enjoy even if you normally order premium tequila.
Best for: people transitioning from tequila into mezcal.
10. Palo Dulce Mezcal
One of the standout modern mezcals.
Expect layers of herbs, pepper, and earthy sweetness.
Harder to find—but worth searching for.
Best for: people who want to try something less obvious.
A Quick Mezcal Cheat Sheet
Espadín
The most common agave.
Usually approachable, balanced, and often where beginners should start.
Tobalá
Smaller agave with more concentrated flavors.
Often floral, fruity, and premium.
Tepextate
Wild, slow-growing, and often complex.
Can bring herbal, mineral, and spicy notes.
Ensamble
A blend of different agaves.
Great for understanding how flavors interact.
Don’t Make This Mezcal Mistake
A lot of travelers order one random mezcal at a bar, hate it, and decide mezcal isn’t for them.
That’s like trying one wine and deciding all wine tastes the same.
The better move is tasting several side-by-side.
Try different agaves. Compare regions. Notice the differences in sweetness, texture, minerality, and smoke.
And if you’re in Mexico City, there’s an easier way than hunting through bars yourself.
Our Mezcal Tasting Mexico City experience lets you taste multiple styles side by side while learning what actually makes one mezcal completely different from another. You’ll try different agaves, learn traditional production methods, and leave knowing what to order the rest of your trip.
Because once you do a proper tasting, you stop asking:
“What’s the best mezcal?”
…and start asking:
“Which agave is my favorite?”
**Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. When booking through one of our links, we earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running.
