The Top Mezcal Brands You Should Be Trying

It is said that mezcal was first discovered in the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors introduced distillation techniques to Mexico, which led to its creation. However, evidence by anthropologists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico indicates that the beverage dates back to mezcal dates back to 400 BCE. The Denomination of Origin for Mezcal (DOM) defines mezcal as exclusively Mexican and these are the top mezcal brands you should be trying.

Mezcal is an alcohol similar in traditions to Champagne and Scotch Whisky – it is only authentic if it originates from nine Mexican states – Oaxaca, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Zacatecas, San Luís Potosí, Tamaulipas, Durango, and Puebla. Anything else is simply an agave spirit. If the brand follows all the government standards, it can receive the Official Mexican Standard approval, also known as NOM. But while this stamp of approval indicates authenticity, it doesn't necessarily speak to the quality of the alcohol, and knowing which one to buy isn't always easy.

To determine the top Mezcal brands you should be trying, 24/7 Tempo consulted sources such as Mezcal Reviews, Tasting Table, and Food & Wine. We also looked at reviews and discussions on the top Mezcal brands from Reddit and other discussion boards. Seven of the best Mezcal brands are below in no particular order. (Check out these hot wine and spirits trends for 2024.)

• Uses 100% recycled glass bottles and sustainable Espadín agave
• Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico
• No artificial colors or flavors

Not only does the flavor profile of Ilegal Mezcal make it one of the best brands, but this brand also focuses on sustainability. They aim for every part of the business, from how they treat their employees to the type of bottles they use, to be ethical. Ilegal Mezcal is also made without any unnecessary additives and has a balanced flavor with a hint of smoke.

• Started initiatives to support the community
• Sweet and smoky flavor
• Handcrafted by individual Zapotech and Mixtec farmers

Del Maguey is another authentic mezcal brand that's handcrafted in Mexico by farm families. This brand is dedicated to tradition and uses a method of making mezcal that's over 400 years old. Del Maguey has also started initiatives to contribute to the community in Mexico such as their agriculture program.

• Highlights the traditions of different regions of Mexico
• Offers diverse and unique flavors
• Works with small producers across Mexico

One of the most unique aspects of this Mezcal brand is the six different mezcal expressions, or varieties, they offer. This brand works with small mezcal producers in regions such as Oaxaca, Zacatecas, and Durango. Each expression highlights the diverse flavors and traditions of the Mexican region it comes from.

• Produced by a family in Oaxaca, Mexico
• Represents the culture of a small village in Oaxaca
• Works to preserve wild agave and aids in reforestation efforts

Like many of the best mezcal brands, a family in Oaxaca produces Rey Campero Mezcal. The Sánchez family has created high-quality mezcal for four generations and is based out of the Candelaria Yegolé village in Zoquitlán. Rey Campero is also committed to preserving the traditions of mezcal production by preserving wild agave and participating in reforestation efforts.

• Created in Oaxaca, Mexico
• Uses a unique method of distilling to create a sweeter profile
• Complex flavors in each expression

Lalocura was exclusively sold to a few places in Mexico until they started expanding to other areas in recent years. This brand, started by Eduardo Ángeles, is still selective about ingredients and where they sell their mezcal. Lalocura Mezcal is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico using the same traditional practices that Mezcaleros, or those who make mezcal, have used for centuries.

• Produced by 16 different families in Mexico
• Offers Mezcal expressions to represent different regions of Mexico
• Focused on sustainability

Most of the Mezcal expressions from El Jolgorio were previously available only in Mexico. However, the Black Bar Project now offers a full line of El Jolgorio Mezcals. This brand represents 16 different families in different regions of Mexico. With a focus on sustainability, this brand is committed to preserving wild agave and only producing the amount of mezcal that the local varieties of agave can handle.

• Celebrates diversity in flavors and tradition
• Authentically crafted in Oaxaca
• Unique flavors made without additives

The idea of Vago first came to the co-founders of this brand during a trip to Oaxaca, where they fell in love with the traditions and culture. Vago works with four different Mezcaleros, including the father-in-law of co-founder Judah Emanuel Kuper. Each unique bottle of Mezcla has a label that describes exactly where its origins are, the type of agave, and numerous other details about the expression.

(Check out Drinks to Avoid Getting at a Bar and What to Order Instead.)