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 agave and only from the Jalisco district. 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

Tears Of Llorona Scotch Sherry And Cognac Barrel-Aged Extra Añejo Tequila
98 points
$272
A luxuriously aged example of agave that retains the base spirit and exemplifies the cask management that puts this in the pantheon of other finally aged spirits.
Fuenteseca Reserva 7 Year Aged Extra Añejo Tequila
98 points
$259
Somehow manages to be both richly barrel-aged while expressing fresh green tones; perplexing, contemplative, well-executed, but most importantly decadently delicious.
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.
Cazcanes No. 10 Blanco Tequila
97 points
$110
Complex and refreshing, this is great on its own but would make amazing cocktails; it is rich and pure making this truly an excellent example and a delight to taste.
Del Maguey San Pablo Ameyaltepec Single Village Blanco Mezcal
97 points
$124
Funky and fruity with light smoke and nice heat, this is exceptionally delicious.
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.
Nocheluna Sotol
96 points
$42
Light and refreshing mixed spring greens and herbs but then all of them pickled; a wonderfully refreshing aperitif to prep the palate for a salad or veggie course.
Mezcal Vago Mezcal Ensamble En Barro
96 points
$69
A little bit demure on the nose at first but enlivened by the first sip and then the complexity grows every time you revisit the glass; so much character shines through even with the higher ABV.
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.