About Blanco Mezcal

About Blanco Mezcal
Blanco mezcal is a spirit from Mexico that can be made from as many as 18 different types of the agave plant, some cultivated and some wild. Most are produced in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. A blanco mezcal is distilled in a copper still (sometimes double distilled) and is not aged in oak, thus preserving a clear appearance.

Mezcal is often confused with tequila, as both are made from agave. But while tequila must be made from one specific blue agave, mezcal can be produced from eighteen different types of agave (maguey). There are two types of mezcal, those made exclusively from maguey and those made from at least 80% maguey mixed with other ingredients. Mezcal has similar aging terms as tequila, such as reposado and añejo, but generally mezcal is more of an artisanal product, so examples of mezcal vary more than tequila.

Most are double-distilled, while some are triple-distilled and then aged for several years in oak barrels. Flavors range from smoked herbs and pepper to tobacco and charred fruits. Serve these on their own, in an adventuresome cocktail, or with a cigar.

Top Picks for Blanco Mezcal

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.
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.
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.
Del Maguey Minero Single Village Blanco Mezcal
96 points
$99
Cocoa nibs, smoked leather, citrus, roasted berries, grilled nuts... so much complexity and deliciousness; nom nom nom.
Lobos 1707 Blanco Mezcal Artesenal
96 points
$54
An delightfully rich, complex Mezcal for all manner of occasions.
Salvadores 70 400 2020 Artesanal Espadín Joven Mezcal
96 points
$73
A complex and interesting Mezcal with a wonderful balance of spice, smoke, and sweet that keeps you coming back to the glass.
Mezcal Vago Warehouse Liquors Selection Ensamble by Joel Barriga Blanco Mezcal
95 points
Sweet and savory with roasted vegetables undertones, this is all the very best things about Mezcal; a bit bold and not a typical flavor profile that everyone understands but once you do, you'll be hooked.
Mezcal Vago Mezcal Espadin Emigdio Jarquin
95 points
$51
So well balanced between the flavors of sweet fruit, spiced vegetables, light cream, and gentle smoke; just incredibly warm and inviting.
Mezcal Vago Mezcal Espadin Joel Barriga
95 points
$51
Leathery and fruity with beautiful floral notes and a pleasant smoke; this Mezcal is a joyride from start to finish.
Del Maguey Chichicapa Single Village Blanco Mezcal
95 points
$69
Fruity with just the right amount of smoke and funk; if a Mezcal could be an 'old soul', it would be this one.