Mezcal is a Mexican agave spirit often described as a smoky Tequila. While that's not entirely true, it provides a general idea. But "it's not just smoky Tequila," as Ivy Mix, the author of Spirits in Latin America, pointed out. And I can only agree - you can read how Mezcal and Tequila compare here.
When drinking Mezcal neat, you can best taste the full flavors of this beautiful liquor. The smokiness comes from the traditional way of roasting the agave.
However, it is not just about the smoke. There are many different flavor profiles. The taste depends on the terroir, type of agave, and processing of the agave by the so-called Mezcalero.
If you're a Mezcal beginner, the following recommendations provide you with some brands to try. Also, if you're already familiar with the smoky agave spirit and wonder which one to use in cocktails, you came to the right place.
Best Mezcals to try
If you want to enjoy the best Mezcals neatly, you best do that at room temperature.
Should that be too much of a smoke bomb, you can mix it into a cocktail, like a Mezcal Margarita or a Mezcal Mule.
So, here are recommendations for the best Mezcal brands you can buy in 2022. If you want to experience Mezcal, in my opinion, these brands are the perfect additions to your home bar.
1
Montelobos Espadin Joven
Montelobos uses an organic Espadin agave and only produces small batches to perfect flavor, taste, and balance.
With its smooth, crisp flavor Montelobos Espadi Joven is an excellent choice to drink neat. When used in a cocktail, I'm sure you'll love this.
2
Ilegal Joven
Produced in Santiago Matatlan Valley of Oaxaca, this Mezcal works perfectly in a Margarita. It is light, a bit smoky, with notes of citrus and vanilla.
Legend says that founder John Rexer smuggled it out of Mexico to Antigua, Guatemala. That is why Ilegal became the name of the brand. The Mezcal is still served in his bar in Antigua, Café No Sé.
3
Agave de Cortes
Agave de Cortes is a high-quality Mezcal with an earthy smell and smoky taste. It is one of the best choices if you're after good value for money.
The earthy, spicy scent combined with its sweet and smoky taste works excellently in cocktails.
4
Nuestra Soledad San Baltazar
San Baltazar is a creation of the Soledad family, a brand that manufactures a whole variety of Mezcal.
For San Baltazar, the Mezcalero uses century-old traditional methods to create this amazing spirit. Its deep flavor profile is outstanding: Bee pollen and grassy notes with smokiness and hints of bacon.
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5
Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal
Del Maguey is one of the first Mezcal brands that reached a broad public. It is a classic, high-end product which you should enjoy neat.
First, there's a hint of sweetness before the flavor changes to more earthy, spicy, and even minty notes.
6
Alipus San Andres
Alipus is one of my favorite Mezcal brands at the moment. The San Andres bottle has everything I want from a Mezcal. It is rich, complex, and woody Joven with a bit of mineral. The clean flavors make it also an ideal choice for beginners.
7
El Silencio Espadin Mezcal
A beautifully designed black bottle is the first thing you notice about this Mezcal. But not only the mystic-themed exterior is a winner the inside is just as good. The flavor profile contains notes of chocolate, fruits, baked sweets, and a bit of char. Simply a full-flavored Mezcal that won't disappoint.
8
Gracias a Dios Mezcal Espadin
The makers of Gracias a Dios are very passionate about their Products. Their Espadin Mezcal contains typical earthy and smoky notes combined with hints of pepper, grass, and mushrooms.
It's a well-made Oaxacan product with a classic profile. If you're looking for a great all-around Espadin, that one will be the perfect option.
9
Del Maguey Tobala
Another entry from Del Maguey. This Mezcal is made of the rare Tobala agave. That sort of agave plant only grows on a few mountain slopes in Oaxaca. That is also reflected in the price. But I promise you it is worth it.
10
Derrumbes San Luis Potosí
This is a unique Mezcal from the state of San Luis Potosí. Made of wild-growing Salmiana agave and steam roasted in a brick oven instead of traditional pit roasting. That result is a super unique Mezcal.
You'll notice none of the usual smoky taste. Instead, notes of eucalyptus and bell pepper create a unique flavor profile.
This unusual mix makes an interesting ingredient for cocktails. Try it yourself by using it in a Mezcal Negroni or a Mezcal Paloma.
11
Del Maguey Crema
Del Maguey Crema is a dangerously addictive Mezcal. It is based on Del Maguey Vida but with the addition of Miel de Maguey. A syrup made of roasted agave.
The result is a sweet, smoky, and creamy spirit. Very appealing when drunk neat and even better when used in cocktails.
12
Bozal Ensamble Mezcal
Bozal Ensamble is a handmade artisan Mezcal. A good selection if you're looking for one that is sweet and smoky but not too smoky.
The smoky flavor is balanced nicely with citrus, floral notes, and hints of grass. While Bozal is best enjoyed neat, it also works fine in cocktails.
