The Origins and Evolution of Mezcal
Mezcal is a spirit with fire in its soul and earth in its body. Born from roasted agave hearts, it carries smoke and terroir in every sip.
From small village palenques to artisanal producers, mezcal is a tapestry of tradition and adaptation—distinct from its close cousin tequila but equally rich in character.
Why Mezcal Matters
Mezcal matters for its raw expression of place and process. Unlike many spirits filtered clean of context, mezcal often announces itself with smoke and mineral clarity.
Its traditions and methods are deeply rooted in Mexican culture and pre-colonial agave use, making each bottle a story as much as a drink.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Mexico (especially Oaxaca and other agave regions)
- Base ingredient: Various agave species
- Typical ABV: 40–55%
- Main styles: Espadín, Tobalá, Tobasiche, Madrecuixe, and many others
- What shapes flavor: Roasting agave piñas, fermentation, stills, smoke
- Common uses: Neat sipping, thoughtful cocktails
Where It Started
Agave before spirits
Indigenous cultures used agave for food, fiber, and fermented drinks long before distillation arrived. When early makers began distilling roasted agave, a new class of spirit emerged that emphasized terroir and technique.
How It Evolved
- Palenque tradition: small, local distilling with earthen pits and handmade stills.
- Regional variation: geography creates distinct agave characteristics and styles.
- Recognition and regulation: mezcal gains formal definitions and protections.
- International curiosity: mezcal arrives in global bars and collections.
- Artisanal focus: many producers emphasize small batch, wild agave expressions.
How to Taste It
Mezcal tasting prioritizes aroma and texture—smoke, mineral, earth, and warmth are common markers to notice.
- Aroma: earth, smoke, herbal, mineral
- Palate: balance of roasted agave and vegetal notes
- Finish: lingering warmth and context-rich impression
Myths & Misconceptions
- Myth: “All mezcal tastes like campfire.” Reality: Smoke varies by species, roasting, and production.
- Myth: “Mezcal is just tequila with smoke.” Reality: They share roots but differ in species and production methods.
- Myth: “Artisanal means better.” Reality: Artisanal scale can yield nuance—but quality still matters.
Explore Our Curated Mezcal Selection
Mezcal is rich with terroir and smokey character. To discover what’s currently available, visit our Mezcal collection.
21+ only. Please drink responsibly. Orders are fulfilled by licensed retail partners and may require age verification at delivery.