Though tequila gross sales might have dipped ever so barely in 2024, the meteoric rise of agave spirits usually over the previous few a long time has proven they’re not leaving our lives anytime quickly. And as of late, there’s extra choices available on the market than ever earlier than.
After all, with extra choices comes more durable selections when it comes time to pick a bottle — particularly for another person. In mezcal’s case, it doesn’t assist that it may be made with roughly 40 totally different species of agave in 9 totally different Mexican municipalities. To say it’s a broad spirits class is an understatement, however reasonably than be overwhelmed, we see this as a motive to get excited in regards to the spirit and maybe search out a number of bottles to provide to family and friends as the vacations draw close to.
For individuals who don’t really feel like rolling the cube on a bottle, we’ve put collectively this information of one of the best mezcals to reward this vacation season. Whether or not it’s for the seasoned agave nerd or the buddy who’s simply warming as much as Mezcal Margaritas, there’s one thing right here for everybody.
Greatest Funds Mezcal: Sueño de Alden Mezcal Espadín
Greatest Splurge Mezcal: Mezcasiarca Destilado de Agave Ensamble Ancestral
Greatest Mezcal for Newcomers: Mezcal Vago Ensamble en Barro by Tío Rey
Greatest Mezcal for Geeks: Espina Negra Tepeztate Joven Mezcal Artesanal
Greatest Mezcal for Cocktail Lovers: Palomo Mezcal Espadín Joven
Greatest Mezcal to Impress: Mezcal Ultramundo Maguey Lamparillo
Greatest Restricted-Version Mezcal: NETA Tequilana Capón
Greatest Funds Mezcal
Sueño de Alden Mezcal Espadín
Approachable in worth level and taste, this mezcal serves up a clear, textbook expression of Espadín, which is essentially the most broadly used agave selection in mezcal manufacturing. Its vegetal, peppery spine affords a tequila-adjacent profile whereas a refined plume of smoke confirms that we’re in a special spirits class. Whether or not sipped neat or blended in cocktails, this mezcal affords a clean introduction to what the class has in retailer.
Common worth: $39
Score: 90
Greatest Splurge Mezcal
Mezcasiarca Destilado de Agave Ensamble Ancestral
There are many stellar mezcals obtainable for double-digit worth factors, however after the $100 mark, a brand new world of remarkable expressions is unlocked. And in case you’re able to spend these sums on a bottle, we recommend springing for this ensamble from Mezcasiarca. A mix of Tobasiche, Barril, and Espadín agave, this mezcal presents a variety of flavors spanning from inexperienced, vegetal, and smoky to a profound mineral-rich earthiness. Its texture lands with a palate-coating weight that provides option to a protracted, spicy end. Think about this mezcal’s best hits all packed into one pour.
Common worth: $198
Score: 95
Greatest Mezcal for Newcomers
Mezcal Vago Ensamble en Barro by Tío Rey
Newcomers to mezcal can typically be fast to put in writing off the class after first encountering a slew of one-note smoke bombs, so it’s paramount to start out off on the correct foot. Few choices are as approachable and welcoming as this ensamble from Mezcal Vago. Crafted with Espadín, Barril, and Coyote agave, this spirit bursts with aromas of purple berries, moist rocks, and tropical fruits. The palate delivers on the nostril’s guarantees, weaving backwards and forwards between savory and candy flavors.
Common worth: $80
Score: 95
Greatest Mezcal for Geeks
Espina Negra Tepeztate Joven Mezcal Artesanal
Tepeztate is a notoriously tough agave selection to each supply and work with. It’s comparatively scarce, grows in rocky, mountainous terrain, and takes round 25 years to completely mature. However when it’s within the palms of a seasoned mezcalero, Tepeztate can ship a few of the most sought-after mezcals available on the market. This explicit expression from Espina Negra delivers all the pieces we’ve come to like about Tepeztate, kicking off with herbaceous, earthy aromas and a pop of savory smoke earlier than segueing right into a vegetal, mineral-rich palate. For simply $80, this bottle affords a visit to the mountains of Oaxaca in each sip.
Common worth: $80
Score: 93
Greatest Mezcal for Cocktail Lovers
Palomo Mezcal Espadín Joven
Whereas one might theoretically put any mezcal to work in cocktails, it’s finest to hunt out a bottle that has a comparatively low worth, a comparatively excessive ABV that may shine amid myriad components, and an approachable profile that may simply harmonize with different flavors. Given these parameters, Palomo Mezcal Espadín Joven is an ideal decide. It’s $40 per bottle, full of quintessential Espadín flavors, and clocks in at an assertive 46 % ABV. Make this the bottom spirit for an Oaxaca Previous Normal, a Mezcal Negroni, or a Division Bell, and thank us later.
Common worth: $40
Score: 91
Greatest Mezcal to Impress
Mezcal Ultramundo Maguey Lamparillo
Mezcal Ultramundo Maguey Lamparillo is a labor of affection and endurance. After ready for 15 to twenty years for the uncommon agave selection Maguey Lamparillo to completely mature, the producers at Ultramundo’s Rancho Pelayo strip the vegetation of their quiote (stalks) and go away them within the floor for a number of months to additional develop (a course of often called the capón method). The ensuing mezcal is brimming with complexity, carrying notes of olives, baking spices, incense, and brown sugar. The craftsmanship at work right here can also be mirrored within the spirit’s bottle design, which incorporates a weighted backside and holographic accents on the label, making it certain to face out on any again bar or bar cart.
Common worth: $150
Score: 95
Greatest Restricted-Version Mezcal
NETA Tequilana Capón
The workforce at NETA has made it their mission to showcase distinctive small-batch agave spirits producers that don’t have the means to promote their merchandise internationally on their very own. The result’s a surprising portfolio of limited-edition expressions, reminiscent of this one from producers Wilfrido and Ramón García Sánchez. Though it’s crafted with Tequilana, a.ok.a. Blue Weber agave — the variability utilized in all tequila manufacturing — this spirit’s profile surprises with pronounced minerality, notes of citrus, and a buttery undercurrent that retains the acidity at bay. It’s an outstanding testomony to the number of distinctive flavors that may be extracted from Blue Weber. There could also be solely 528 bottles out within the wild, however we advocate snatching one up ought to the chance come up.
Common worth: $190
Score: 96
