Updated October 2016
Sadly, it has been a few years since I did a deep dive and thorough update to this list. Yes, I have added a brand here and there, but I have not scoured the web in a few years to see what is really out there. And man have times changed!
When I last took a hard look, there were about 70 mezcal brands to be found in the U.S. Now I count 120+! Wow. Further, a few years ago there were around 50 brands that were traveling in the upper end of the market, and that has now risen to almost 90 brands in what I consider to be in the premium sector.
I used to have them all, and I can no longer say that. In my recent research, I found many brands I had never even heard of at premium prices and occasionally at premium packaging. A lot of these are definitely under the radar, which means they are not active on social media or apparently in the active promotion of their brand. I know because I follow this stuff. Also, when new brands are coming to the market they often issue press releases, and many contact me and are generous enough to send me a bottle – I am grateful every time! But many of the new brands below have done nothing to announce their presence in the U.S. market, so that is why I say under the radar. And if that is what they want to do, no problem! But I am curious about a good number of them and will be making some new purchases for sure.
You will find a lot of these brands if you read MY BOOK (shameless self-promotion perhaps, but hey, the blog is free so this is my form of selling ad space!). I talk about all these brands in greater depth, plus I take a detailed look at how the many varieties of agave impact the flavor of a mezcal – much like grapes are to wine, agave is to mezcal. The book is Holy Smoke! It’s Mezcal! and it is on Amazon. Notice the cool cover shot to the right. Buy a copy – I promise you won’t be disappointed! Now back to our regularly scheduled program…
So here is my currently assembled list of the brands that can be found in the U.S. The list is organized from top to bottom by the brands I am most familiar with, which means among other things, I can find them and drink them regularly, I read about them, and/or they are actively promoting their brands through social media, etc. As the list progresses, many of these I have never tried and never seen other than on a website. So they are mainly pretty obscure but some of them look quite interesting with a price point to match.
Toward the bottom of the list, there is a bunch of crap (that usually stirs up some controversy) – a bunch of industrial mezcals and some random stuff, many of which I have tried, hence that is what I call this part of the list crap. If you are looking for something good, stay higher on the list and do some research. When you see a mezcal for under $30, it is rarely good (though there are exceptions). Comments like that usually draw out some criticism that I am being elitist or worse, but it is simply a reality. It is VERY EXPENSIVE to produce a good, artisanal mezcal. Just a fact.
But if you think something toward the back of the pack is good, first you should drink it, and then let me know. I am always happy to learn and reassess. With that, here is what I have….
The U.S. Mezcal List
1-25
- Ilegal Mezcal. Joven, Repo, and Anejo. Love their combination of irreverence (see their “Donald Eres Un Pendejo” ad campaign) and deep respect for mezcal’s traditions.
- Del Maguey. Many fantastic sipping-worthy varietals, which are expensive but generally worth it, plus a cocktail oriented version called Vida.
- El Jolgorio. Many amazing varietals and worth every penny. They also make the Nuestra Soledad and Agave de Cortes brands as well. Very prolific!
- Real Minero. Yummy line-up of expensive varietals from a 5th generation mezcal family. All clay pot!
- Rey Campero. New comer in 2016 with many varietals and all good stuff.
- Mezcal Vago. Many varietals and special bottlings of very good mezcal.
- Pierde Almas. Several varietals plus a pechuga, a conejo (figure that one out!), and a gin-inspired +9 botanicals.
- Mezcales de Leyenda. Several agave varietals from different regions. Various producers.
- Fidencio. Classico, Sin Humo (no smoke), Tobala, and Pechuga, plus other varietals.
- Wahaka. Many great varietals plus some off the beaten path (and funky) mezcals they release under their Vino de Mezcal series.
- Mezcalero. Small batch releases. “Release #15” recently launched. Different distillers and different varietals for each batch. Brought to market by Los Danzantes distillery.
- Nuestra Soledad. Lower priced offerings from El Jolgorio. All espadins from various hand-picked producers.
- Los Amantes. Joven and Repo. Same owners as Casa Mezcal in NYC.
- Marca Negra. Many excellent varietals. All jovens.
- Agave de Cortes. Joven, Repo, Anejo, and Extra Anejo. And a repo with a worm (why Asis? why?)
- Don Amado. Joven, Repo, and Anejo. Been around since 1994.
- Alipus. Same producer as Los Nahuales (Los Danzantes Distillery). Jovens from different producers in different regions.
- El Buho. Cocktail oriented joven espadin.
- Los Nahaules. Joven, Repo, and Anejo. Known as Los Danzantes in Mexico. Also release the Mezcalero brand.
- Montelobos. Launched in 2012 by the guys who brought you Milagro Tequila. No website that I can find.
- Tres Papalote. They have 40% and 46% wild cupreatas. Celebrity spokesman Cheech Marin.
- Sombra. Intense smoke. Joven only.
- Peleton de la Muerta. Cocktail oriented joven. Lower price option from Mezcales de Leyende. No website.
- El Tieneblo. Joven, Repo, and Anejo. Don’t see this brand very often these days.
- La Nina del Mezcal. Espadin plus other varietals.
26-50
- Mezcal Union. An ensemble is there only offering.
- Mezcal Yuu Baal. Joven, Repo, Anejo, plus several varietals.
- Siete Misterios. Many varietals. All jovens.
- Sacacuento. Joven and Anejo, plus a tobala.
- Scorpion. More tequila-like in production methods resulting in little smoke. Several varietals plus aged products out to 7 years. And a scorpion in every bottle. Yay.
- Dona Sarito. Joven only. No obvious website.
- Koch el Mezcal. A full line-up of about 10 varietals at premium price points.
- Espiritu Lauro. Joven, Repo, and Anejo.
- Santa Pedrera. Joven only.
- Alacran. Have a tequila and a non-smoky, very tequila-like mezcal.
- Joya Azul. Joven, Repo, and Gran Reserva.
- Mezcal Embajador. Joven, Repo, Anejo and Gran Reserva.
- Metl. Joven and Repo. Apparently the brand has is now defunct, though you may still find bottles online.
- Mezcal Delirio. Joven, Repo, and Anejo.
- El Silencio. Premium ensemble of espadin, tobasiche and mexicano, plus less expensive espadin joven.
- Mezcal Tosba. Great back story of Mexican heritage and nice people. Espadin, tobala and pechuga.
- Mezcal Sacrificio. Joven and uniquely aged repo.
- Mezcal Amaras. Espadin and cupreata.
- Vicio Mezcal. Joven espadin only.
- Bosscal Mezcal. One of the few mezcals in the U.S. made from Agave durangensis. I like that one, and now they also have a conejo pechuga and a damiana infusion.
- Mezcal Enmascarado. They have a 45% and a 54% (whoa!) ABV espadin. No obvious website.
- Mezcalosfera. U.S. named offshoot of renowned Oaxaca mezcal education experience, Mezcaloteca. Only one expression in the U.S. so far – and it’s $150, ouch.
- Clase Azul Mezcal. A branch off the Case Azul Tequila tree. Agave durangensis at $200 a bottle (and not worth it).
- Gem and Bolt. A damiana infused espadin. Great packaging and social media. Look forward to trying it.
- Bruxo Mezcal. Nice line-up of 5 mezcals, including an ensamble and a pechuga.
51-74
- Gracias a Dios. A few varietals, plus a repo and an agave gin.
- 3 Pueblos Mezcal. Joven, Repo and Anejo.
- Creyente. Made by Cuervo and tastes like an industrial mezcal.
- Viejo Indecente. Espadin, madrecuixe, and ensemble.
- Los Javis. Many varietals including a tepeztate and a tobala.
- Kimo Sabe Mezcal. Industrial mezcal, but they don’t want you to know that (shhhh…).
- Jaral de Berrio. Made in Guanajuato from Agave salmiana. I’ve tried it and eh.
- Xicaru. Espadin joven only. Have tried it and just OK. No website.
- Real Matlatl. Joven, Repo, and Anejo. No website.
- San Dimas Mezcal. Appears to be repo only. No website.
- Mezcal Marillero. Tobala and arroqueno. Clay pot mezcal from Sola de Vega.
- Mezcal Mayalen. Two cupreatas and a borrego (lamb pechuga).
- Siembra Metl Mezcal. A cupreata from Michoacan.
- Amor de Agave. Espadin joven only.
- Santo Diablo Mezcal. Espadin joven only.
- Cinco Diamantes. Repo, anejo, tepeztate and tobala.
- Mestizo Mezcal. Joven, Repo, and Anejo.
- El Rey Zapoteca. Joven, Repo, Anejo plus a gusano (you know how I feel).
- Buen Bicho. Espíritu Lauro’s lower priced cocktail mezcal.
- Chango Loco Mezcal. Funky monkey glass bottles. Espadin, madrecuixe and pechuga.
- Cat Mezcal. Appears to be a joven espadin.
- Briscas Mezcal. Joven, Repo and Anejo.
- Mezcal Don Mateo de la Sierra. A few varietals and a pechuga from Michoacan.
- Cruz de Fuego Mezcal. Ensamble of espadin and tobala. No website.
75-99
- Xicala Mezcal. Joven espadin.
- Dos Perros Mezcal. An expensive 5yr aged mezcal. I have never tried it. No website.
- Mezcal IBA. Two espadins: a 40% and a 55% ABV expressions.
- Mezcal Derrumbes. Three expressions from three different mescal making regions.
- OLL 1N Mezcal. Odd name. Seem to have 3 expressions.
- Premario Mezcal. A cocktail oriented espadin from Nina de Mezcal.
- Puntagave Mezcal. Funky bottles. They have similarly packaged tequilas as well.
- Sangre de Vida Mezcal. Cool day of the Dead skull bottle. Repo only.
- Mezcal Memorable. 5 varietals with colorful labels.
- Four Vientos Mezcal. Tobala, cuixe and tepeztate.
- Espina Dorado Mezcal. One epsadin and one with gusano (ugh!).
- Felicidad la Puritita Verda Mezcal. Entry leve, cocktail oriented mezcal form Pierde Almas.
- Bozal Mezcal. Several varietals.
- La Fogata. Found randomly one day in Chelsea Market. Expensive. Never seen it anywhere else. No website.
- Wild Shot. Toby Keith owned.
- Semillero. Joven, repo, anejo. No website.
- Beneva. They also make Monte Alban.
- Zignum. Industrial type production.
- Maria Mezcal. Imported by the Scorpion crew.
- Mijes. Also imported by the Scorpion crew..
- Benesin. Industrial mezcals.
- Mezcal Filino. Can only find a repo at Old Town Tequila.
- Oro de Oaxaca. Been around a long time.
- Monte Alban. No list would be complete without them (that was a joke). Industrial. No website.
- Mezcal Guerrero. Little info. Looks pretty bad.
100+
- Casa Curiel Mezcal. So cheap (and likely so bad) it should not even be here!
- Antonio Agular. Repo. Named after a Mexican singer.
- Chacmol Mezcal. Yow. $16 online for a 750ml bottle. Dare you. No website.
- Lajita Mezcal. No website. With worm. Double dare you.
- Embajador de Oaxaca. Joven, repo, anejo. I’ve had it in Oaxaca and ugh.
- Escorpion Mezcal. Not to be confused with Scorpion. No website.
- Mala Noche Mezcal. No website.
- Marques Mezcal. Silver and repo. Same producer as Jaral.
- Mina del Eden Mezcal. No website.
- Real de Oaxaca. Silver and Repo. No website.
- Herencia del Mezcalero. Joven, Repo, and Anejo.
- El Zacatecano. Backed by former MLB player Edgar Martinez. Very tequila like.
- Mina Real. Joven and Repo. Don Amado’s entry level brand.
- Donaji Mezcal. Joven and anejo. No website.
- Mezcal del Maestro. Citrus infusion, Repo and Anejo. No website.
- Banhez. One ensemble. No website.
- Mezcal Legendario Domingo. Espadin. Looks interesting…..
- Mezcal Mala Idea. Just arriving in the U.S. in October 2016. Several varietals, well packaged.
- Mezcal del Amigo. Spotted in a 1 liter bottle at Astor in NYC.
- Salvacion Mezcal. Reader’s tip that this was spotted at Total Wines (thanks Rimas!). Several pricey varietals plus something call “original” – perhaps espadin but odd choice of words….
- Mezcal Km 70. Joven an Repo.
- Quiquiriqui Mezcal. Joven found mainly on the West Coast.
- Mezcal Meteoro. Not sure how I missed this. See it regularly in NYC. Joven espadin.
- Craneo Mezcal. Just arriving in the US in October 2016. From the makers of Tequila 123. No opinion yet.
Where to Find Them (online)
- Binnys
- Hi-Time Wines
- Zee Tequila (Old Town Tequila)
- K&L Wine Merchants
- Astor Wines and Spirits
- Mission Liquor
So that is my current list. I count 120+ mezcal brands that are in the U.S. Many of these are marginal at best (cheap, ineffective or non-existent marketing, and really only found online), but they are here, and you can buy them.
I have not seen a list like this anywhere, so if you know of one, or have additions, please send them in! In the meantime, drink mezcal because you have many to choose from!
I just tried La Nina del Mezcal Madrecuixe.
I’m have had better but I’m not disappointed.
Anybody try it?
I have no tried it but thanks for contributing!
Note to clarify:
Mijes is not made by Scorpoion Mezcal, Doug French , but it is imported by Caballeros, Inc , Douglas Frenches USA import company. Mijes is made by Patricia Campos .
Also:
Maria is not made by Doug French either . It is imported by Caballeros, Inc again my import company . It is made by Eric Hernandez who also makes Ilegal, Los Amantes and Metl. He is an excellent and prolific master distiller.
I am a prolific distiller , but I only make Scorpion Mezcal .
Due to the shortage of agave , I have had to reduce production of mezcal . In this dead time I am experimenting with making rum and I am eager to try my hand at making a whiskey. I shall try distilling some whiskey in the summer.
Thanks for the corrections and information. I will update the post accordingly.
[…] stores for your convenience. This list by no means contains every brand you can find (I have another post on that), and I stopped it at $75 because we are clearly getting past the entry level at that […]
Forgot to mention that it was the reposadas that that I drank 🙂
Finding a good mescal is a taste bud affair. Zignum is mentioned with a soso rating, but my tongue was absolutely delighted. I have had some of the others mentioned here including Scorpion which I found awful.
Now I have been looking for the following brand, which I bought one bottle of while in Mexico. According to my pallet the best I have ever tasted: JOYAS OAXAQUEÑAS
If you know where I can get it that would be awesome because so far I have not been lucky over the last 4 years.
You are right that everyone has a different palate. For me the knock on Zignum is on many levels. Read my post entitled “Mezcal, Bacardi, Zignum and Sustainability” for more. As a consumer I would have trouble supporting it even IF I liked it. We need to vote with our wallets.
As for Joyas, I have only seen their Gran Reserva here – I have it and am not impressed. You can find it online. If you like aged mezcals, there are many better out there like Los Amantes, Los Nahuales, Sacacuento, Agave de Cortes, and Ilegal to name a handful.
Thanks for commenting and reading!
Attn All,
I just spent 4 days in San Miguel de Allende, In my 4 days there I Found a corner bar, jumped in too see the action and wow!! what a selection of Mezcal’s, I tried 4 while I was there and My favorite, Los Danzantes Joven. I’m a Tequila Guy but this mezcal was incredible!! it had the traditional smokey smell but it by far was the smoothest sipping Mezcal I have ever had. If someone finds this product for sale in the states let me know, if not I’ll open up a distributor business and treat this product like gold..
You are in luck my friend. In the U.S. this mezcal goes by the name Los Nahaules produced by the Los Danzantes distillery. They had some copyright issue with the name in the US and had to change the name several years ago. If you like that, you should also look for the Mezcalero brand which is made by the same distillery. They put out new releases every 6 months or so- they are all blends of differing agaves and all great. Very small batch stuff. Perhaps you will be changing your handle to “ronmasmezcal”……
I’ve tried 4 so far. Los Nahaules is by far the best I’ve had….
That smokey flavor…….
Keep working your way through the list! There are many excellent mezcals on the market. You probably have to buy most of them online, but they can be had….
Soo…. I printed out your list of Mezcals and went to my local “high end” liquor store. The only Mezcal they had (I asked) was Monte Alban. I saw that it was listed under “less than premium”, but thought to myself, “that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s bad.” Unfortunately I neglected to read the comments following your post that would have informed me that in this particular case that, yes, it is bad. Now I find myself facing a dilemma that I’m hoping you can help me with. Do I dump this turpentine tasting crap down the drain before it turns me off to Mezcal forever, and write it off as a $23 lesson learned, or do I hang onto it and only use it as a substitute for tequila in mixed drinks?
Pour it out and start over. It is basically a bad tequila. Order online since your local blows. Buy one or more of the premiums on my list and you will be just fine!
To add to your already extensive list, is a new brand called Derrumbes. Not sure if they’re available in the US yet, but they are in Europe and Australia so look out for it!
You didn’t mention Mezcal Jaral de Berrio.. which I like. I’d like to know what your thoughts are.
I am unaware that it can be found in the U.S. If it can be, please let me know where. Thanks!
http://www.tastings.com/scout_spirits.lasso?id=195893
Mezcal El Malpais, produced in the state of Durango! You should definitely try it. 🙂
Have not tried it but hope to do so someday…
I just tries the beneva, nothing to call home about.
FYI – Alipus is the more artisanal brand of Los Danzantes
Concur on Beneva. They also produce Monte Alban which is about all you need to know. Los Danzantes changed their name to Los Nahuales (something about a trademark infringement). And I would actually say that Alipus is the lower price point than Los Nahuales – but yes, same producer. Both good and artisanal on the premium mezcal spectrum!
Beneva is made in the state of Oaxaca.. they have a retail showroom/tasting room in Huatulco. They make a blanco, repo & anejo. I still believe Joya deserves to be on your premium list.
You know, I have the Joya Gran Reserve Extra Anejo and it is just not that good. It is perhaps premium, but not according to my taste buds!
Mezcal Zacatecano,is made in Huitzila,Zacatecas.
Last year it was awarded several prizes in the San Francisco,Ca.Spirits Expo or something like that.Pretty good actually,i ran out fast.
Appreciate it. Keep coming back. If you hit the “subscribe” button, you will get an email when I put up a new post.
how can you call yourself a ‘PhD’ in mezcal when there are so many that you “know nothing about” or just diss outright without having ever even tasted the product (just because it’s inexpensive)?? WTH??
Hmmm…where to begin? Maybe “Mezcal PhD is kind of tongue in cheek? Maybe? You think?
1. That said, I know a lot about Mezcal but I also know many people that know more. If you are one of them and can add educational content to the blog, which many people have done, that is welcomed and celebrated.
2. It’s true that there are many brands that I know nothing about and there are many reasons for that. First, my funding and storage capacity has its limits. Second, the only reason I even know that some of these exist is through exhaustive Internet searching, cross-referencing, etc. They do not promote their brands through social media, have no websites, FB page, Twitter, advertising, do not show up in the press, and are not written about on other blogs or anywhere else I can find. So I admit that I know nothing about them. Find me the person that does. I’d love to meet them!
3. By “diss” I guess you mean the category of Less Than Premium is a diss. That does not mean that it sucks and I don’t say that. I have tried many of these and they are indeed less than premium in taste, though I am not trying to get into specific reviews on this post (clearly). And like it or not, in Mezcal, and most spirits, premium is usually defined by price point. You just can’t make a beautiful, artisanal, hand-crafted Mezcal and sell it in the US for $10-20 a bottle. It’s not going to be premium in taste. That does not mean it is horrible. There is no shame in being less than top shelf, and hundreds, if not thousands, of spirit brands specifically are trying to hit a mid-tier or low price point and they don’t expect to win spirits competitions. I am sure many of these mezcals are doing just that.
4. Blogs offer many opinions, as do I. The goal of the post was to put together a comprehensive list of mezcals that can be found in the US. I could have put them in alphabetical order, but that wouldn’t be as helpful in my view as trying to give some guidance. Also, if you read more of this blog, you will see it is focused on premium mezcals.
So that’s about it. I try to keep it real and have fun, but these are my opinions. If you have specific objections let me know and I will try to pick up a bottle and try it. Someone from Don Amado did just that, and I bought a bottle and moved it to premium after that.
I hope this explanation helps. In the meantime, drink some mezcal…it takes the edge off.
I commend you for putting the list together. However; I have to disagree with you that just because a beverage is marketed as premium and is sold at a high price point it does not mean it is of good quality automatically. Patron tequila and Grey Goose are prime examples of “premium” beverages that connossieours dismiss. In wine there are countless such examples as well. With that said, I just tried the Beneva mezcal and boy do I regret buying it. $24 down the drain!
Funny. Great comment on Beneva. This list is not strictly using price as a basis for premium. I have personally tried many of the mezcals on this list, especially the premiums plus many others (except where clearly noted that I know nothing). Where I have not tried them and they are of a low price point, I either put them into “less than premium” or “premium or not” and this was done somewhat on word of mouth opinions of the brands and sometimes price. But the list is by no means perfect. I will say that I don’t think I have ever had a mezcal that is priced below $30 a bottle that is very good. It is a shame, and I am not being a snob here, it is just a fact. I wish it weren’t true because I like to save money too! But it expensive to produce mezcal in the traditional, artisanal, hand-crafted way.
In the end, these are my classifications – not perfect and largely my opinion. An informed opinion, but still an opinion. I have moved several of these around based on user comments, so if you have specific suggestions, please advise. In the meantime, pour out the Beneva (they also make Monte Alban) and buy a premium mezcal, however you define that!
Last minute purchase at Hotel gift shop in Chicken Itza
“Mixteco Mezcal ( with worm ) 250 ml… 150 pesos
Did I get ripped off ?.
That’s about $12-$13 USD so no matter how bad it is, the rip off is not too painful. Sounds like a lot though for what is likely a pretty crappy mezcal. Let me know how it tastes….
Dr Mezcal
Haven’t cracked it but I’ll let you know if it is horse piss of the God’s elixir. Do you have a direct email
I did find a photo of a mini bottle of it
http://www.mezcalbottles.com/database_public/view.php?id=1069
And amazingly it is the Mezcal shown at Mezcal Wikipepi in light of the fact that another source told me it went off the market in 2011. He provided link to sjuport it’s demise No reason provided
Salud
Thanks or the info. Keep your expectations low on that stuff. You can email me at [email protected]. But what you really need to do is go out and buy one of the brands in the premium category from this post. I doubt any of them will disappoint….
Just a comment…Mezcal Mano Negra is now called Mezcal Mancha Negra. They apparently had problems with the original name.
Cheers,
Thanks for the tip. I will check it out!
Hi. It’s actually Mezcal MARCA NEGRA.
Cheers!
Don Amado Mezcal was established in 1994 and has been in continual production since… made entirely in ceramic pot stills and sold in both Mexico and in 10+ states around the US (NY, IL, CA, WA, NV…). It is in every sense a “Premium” mezcal.
Also, please note our other ceramic pot-distilled brand, Mina Real Mezcal.. selling very well in both countries, albeit at a lower price point.
Thanks for the note. Don Amado is indeed on my wish list, and I will pick up a bottle when I see one. I look forward to trying it, and am happy to move it to the premium category upon examination!
Regarding La Fogata from the Premium List: I brought a La Fogata (“the campfire”) Anejo back from Guadalajara in ’98. I’m sure I cajoled you into trying it with me at least. Coincidently enough I seem to remember its character as kind of a head-crash into a campfire. I haven’t seen it since. Is the smoke clearing and does it ring a bell now?
The one I have is the anejo and it is not as drastic as you describe, though it is not particularly good for the price. As for that mezcal we tried in Guadalajara, I kind of Fogata-bout-it……
What a great list!
For stores, I’d surely suggest Blackwell’s in S. CA. Really nice folks, great prices and while they don’t have a lot – they’ll get something if you ask.
And, as for the Delirio, I received a bottle today, and it’s damn tasty. Damn sweet, too. And, reasonably-priced.
Thanks for the tip on Blackwell’s. I will check it out. Should I move Delirio to the premeium list? Sweet in a mezcal is interesting. To me, the Del Maguey Tobala has sweetness, but can’t think of another…