Mezcal, often referred to as tequila’s smoky sibling, has exploded in popularity over recent years. With its rich history, diverse flavor profiles, and artisanal production methods, mezcal offers a unique tasting experience that appeals to a wide range of spirit enthusiasts. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the best mezcal brands available today, exploring their distinct characteristics and what makes each of them stand out.
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave plant native to Mexico. Unlike tequila, which can only be made from Blue Weber agave, mezcal can be made from a variety of agave species, giving it a broader range of flavors. The word “mezcal” comes from the Nahuatl word “mexcalli,” which means “oven-cooked agave,” reflecting the traditional methods used to produce this spirit.
Production Methods
Artesanal Method
The Artesanal method allows for both traditional and somewhat modernized techniques in mezcal production. Agaves can be crushed using either tahona (stone) grinding wheels or mechanical shredders. Distillation is typically done in copper pots. This method strikes a balance between authenticity and efficiency, producing high-quality mezcals that honor traditional practices while allowing for larger scale production.
Ancestral Method
The Ancestral method is the most traditional and labor-intensive production method for mezcal. Agave crushing must be done by hand or with tahonas, and distillation occurs in fire-heated clay pots. Fermentation often takes place in natural materials like hollowed-out tree trunks or stone vessels. This method is prized for producing mezcals with deep, complex flavors that reflect the artisanal heritage of mezcal-making.
Top Mezcal Brands
Bozal Guías de Calabaza Sacrificio
Bozal Guías de Calabaza Sacrificio is a unique mezcal that stands out for its use of pumpkin stems, seasonal fruits, and grains during the second distillation. This sacrificial mezcal is typically produced in small batches for local celebrations. The flavor is earthy with citrus peel, herbal notes, and a perfumed smoky aroma.
- Price: ~$90
- Flavor Profile: Earthy, citrus peel, herbal notes, perfumed smoke
- Production Method: Double copper pot distillation with suspended produce
Lobos 1707 Mezcal Artesanal
Backed by LeBron James, Lobos 1707 Mezcal Artesenal is notable for its solera aging process and finishing in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry barrels. This process gives it a rich smoky flavor with hints of citrus, red fruit, cedar, and green olives.
- Price: ~$45-$55
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, citrus, red fruit, cedar, green olives
- Production Method: Solera process, finished in PX sherry barrels
Gracias a Dios
Gracias a Dios is known for its smooth, floral, and fruity profile with light smoke. This mezcal is fermented in pinewood tanks and aged in a combination of new and used American oak barrels.
- Price: ~$50
- Flavor Profile: Floral, fruity, light smoke, hints of chocolate and curry
- Production Method: Fermented in pinewood, aged in American oak barrels
Campante Joven
Campante Joven is an excellent introduction to mezcal with a balanced smokiness and light herbal tones. Made from a blend of Espadín and wild Barril agaves, this joven mezcal offers a gentle entry into the world of mezcal.
- Price: ~$67
- Flavor Profile: Light herbal tones, rosemary, eucalyptus, mint, floral and citrus smoke
- Production Method: Small batch, copper pot distillation
Bosscal Pechuga de Conejo
Bosscal Pechuga de Conejo uses a unique triple distillation process with a skinned rabbit breast suspended over the agave during distillation. This mezcal has a mildly smoky flavor with sweet, wet grass aroma, anise, citrus, and herbal undertones.
- Price: ~$94
- Flavor Profile: Mildly smoky, sweet wet grass, anise, citrus, herbal undertones
- Production Method: Triple distillation with suspended rabbit breast
Catedral de mi Padre Espadín
Catedral de mi Padre Espadín is a versatile mezcal perfect for cocktails. It features medium-weight smoke, sweet and spicy notes, and is made from young, sustainably grown wild agaves.
- Price: ~$64
- Flavor Profile: Medium-weight smoke, sweet, spicy
- Production Method: Double copper pot distillation
Fósforo Penca
Fósforo Penca stands out for its use of Tobalá agave and its aging process in glass vessels with a cooked Tobalá leaf. This results in a fruity, dark golden mezcal with very little smoke, making it an excellent choice for those new to mezcal.
- Price: ~$140
- Flavor Profile: Fruity, dark golden, minimal smoke
- Production Method: Aged in glass vessels with a cooked Tobalá leaf
Ilegal Añejo
Ilegal Añejo is aged for 13 months in American and French oak barrels, resulting in a smooth mezcal with flavors of cloves, blood oranges, and sweet agave. Its name harks back to its origins of being smuggled from Oaxaca.
- Price: ~$93-$104
- Flavor Profile: Smooth, cloves, blood oranges, sweet agave
- Production Method: Aged in American and French oak barrels
Contraluz Cristalino
Contraluz Cristalino is a clear-filtered reposado mezcal, the first of its kind. It offers a complex flavor with notes of lemon, bacon, and cedar, complemented by a buttery-smooth mouthfeel.
- Price: ~$54-$55
- Flavor Profile: Lemon, bacon, cedar, buttery-smooth
- Production Method: Charcoal filtered after resting in charred American oak barrels
Código 1530 Ancestral Joven
Código 1530 Ancestral Joven is produced using the Ancestral method, resulting in a mezcal with delicate smoked grass, earthy flavors, floral notes, and bright minerality. The single village Papalomé agaves add to its distinctiveness.
- Price: ~$175
- Flavor Profile: Smoked grass, earthy, floral, bright minerality
- Production Method: Ancestral method with tahona or hand crushing
Cráneo
Cráneo is one of the first organic mezcals, produced sustainably and organically in Oaxaca. It offers a medium-strength mezcal with flavors of sweet barbecue smoke, citrus, black cherries, and roasted agaves.
- Price: ~$57
- Flavor Profile: Sweet barbecue smoke, citrus, black cherries, roasted agaves
- Production Method: Organic processes from growing to bottling
Del Maguey Vida Puebla
Del Maguey Vida Puebla is produced in Puebla, Mexico, and offers a mildly smoky mezcal with notes of roasted agave, citrus, white peach, and candied pine. Its minerality comes from the volcanic rock in the Puebla soil.
- Price: ~$30
- Flavor Profile: Mildly smoky, roasted agave, citrus, white peach, candied pine
- Production Method: Double copper pot distillation
Conclusion
Mezcal offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences, from the deeply traditional to the innovative and modern. Whether you’re new to mezcal or a seasoned aficionado, there’s a brand and a bottle out there that will delight your palate. From the artisanal methods of Código 1530 Ancestral Joven to the unique production techniques of Bosscal Pechuga de Conejo and the sustainable practices of Cráneo, each mezcal brings its own story and taste to the table.
As the popularity of mezcal continues to grow, more brands are emerging, each contributing to the rich tapestry of this ancient spirit. So next time you’re looking to explore the world of mezcal, consider trying one of these top brands to experience the depth and diversity that mezcal has to offer.
I’m Chen Mina, from Vol de Nuit, who has a special passion for bartending, especially mixing wine, beer, and cooktail. Here you will find content about alcoholic beverages, I will bring you knowledge that few people know about this drink.
