About Tequila, Mezcal and Agave Spirits from Mexico

About Tequila, Mezcal  and  Agave Spirits from Mexico
Mexican spirits are all about beverages made from the agave plant, with the two most famous products being tequila and Mezcal. These products range from rustic and rough to polished and world-class; they are enjoyed by the common man as well as celebrities and they are consumed throughout Mexico as well as in the United States and many other countries. While both tequila and mezcal are made from the agave plant, mezcal can be produced from many varieties from several area, while tequila can only be made from the blue Weber agave and from the states of Jalisco (primarily), Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. There are several types of tequila, from the most basic, clear examples that can be sipped or serve as the base of numerous cocktails, all the way up to aged (añejo) versions that have gold or amber colors, smoky, caramel and honeyed aromas and a long, elegant finish that are meant for after dinner enjoyment on their own or with a cigar. Tequila had become an enormous industry in Mexico and today the product is made by small family-owned companies as well as large multimillion dollar beverage giants. There is also a small amount of liqueurs made in Mexico, such as those made from honey, coconut and even local flowers such as the Xtabentun; production is limited, but quality is quite high.

Top Picks for Mexico

Tequila, Mezcal and Agave Spirits

Nobleza 33 Blanco Tequila
97 points
$69
A lively and satisfying blanco with complex, nuanced flavors and elegant balance.
Tears Of Llorona Small Batch Extra Añejo Tequila
97 points
$279
A wonderfully complex and nuanced extra añejo Tequila that evolves and delights with each sip.
El Acabo Plata Raicilla
97 points
$59
A culinary journey in a glass, just keeps getting better with every multi-flavored sip, fruity-dry-fatty-savory all at the same time.
Awards: - 2025 Best Raicilla
Montelobos Tobala Joven Mezcal
97 points
$99
New, enchanting flavors abound with every captivating sip; complex, creamy, fruity, and spicy notes are expressed with each welcome return to the glass.
Montelobos Pechuga Blanco Mezcal
97 points
$129
An incredible, almost otherworldly Mezcal, perhaps brought to you by Willy Wonka because you are seeing tastes in shades of green and purple and it's taking you to wondrous, unheard of places.
Del Maguey Chichicapa Single Village Blanco Mezcal
96 points
$69
This is a versatile Mezcal that can be bright with citrus or lean into its nutty, chocolate tones; impressive.
G4 Añejo Tequila
96 points
$79
Super light in color for an añejo but bursting with lively, herb and spice accented agave and barrel flavors.
Corralejo Extra Añejo Tequila
96 points
$82
An impressive balance of sweet and spicy notes with a pleasant kettle corn finish.
Nobleza 33 Reposado Tequila
96 points
$85
A superb flavorful and balanced Reposado Tequila that stays true to the agave by featuring both its raw and cooked characteristics.
Siempre Exclusivo Edicion Especial Vivo Blanco Tequila  Batch 01
96 points
$119
With great depth of flavor and a little funk, this is a Tequila headed in the direction of Blanco Mezcal; not all those who wander are lost.