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.
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.
Tres Papalote Cupreata Blanco Mezcal
95 points
$65
A journey of flavors from sweet white corn to curry, hops, watermelon, pork fat, Tajin, exotic spice and clay - stellar from nose to the super long finish.
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.
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.
Wild Common Cuishe Blanco Mezcal Artesanal
95 points
$80
The sipper you want with some of the finest al pastor tacos or oysters; a superb Blanco Mezcal that is flush and loaded with tons of character; let's just sit around and nose this all day.
Centella Ensamble 4 Variedades Artesanal Joven Blanco Mezcal Batch No. EE-01
95 points
$149
Alluring and seductive with smoky notes that lift and elevate all the other flavors on the palate; take a savory, flaky pastry, add cream cheese and fresh fruit... now make it Mezcal.