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!
Escorpion is produced by the folks at Scorpion and it is now listed on their website. It seems to be a higher-end line produced in smaller batches (limited to 375ml bottles), with even less smoky character even than the Scorpion line. Escorpion really blew me away. All the varietals are fantastic and distinct. I’m primarily a tequila guy, so I like the less smoky profile, and love the expanded agave palate. I’m seeing a couple of the añejos at oldtowntequila.com (you should update your links from zeetequila), and the pechuga and barril joven at hitimewine. I think the pechuga is a steal at this price and the jovens are very reasonable. Oak heads will love the barril añejo (23 mos in French oak).
Love your site! Great work!
Thanks for the thoughts and contributions. Doug French at Scorpion makes fine products, but my personal preference is for mezcals made with earthen pit roasted agaves, instead of aboveground ovens. But I also say, drink what you like! So continue to enjoy…..
I don’t see much written on the ensemble/blend mezcals. I just picked up a Riazuleno Contemporeneo, Tobala Y Espadin; and a Bozal Espadin-Barril-Mexicano. Have not tried them yet. Any comment on these?
….also, for $20 LAJITA mezcal is pretty good with nice smoke flavor. The label states reposado and it has one worm, though you can’t reach it due to the stopper. Found at Total Wine Central Texas.
See prior comment. I doubt I would like this mezcal, but if you do that’s cool too…
I didn’t catch it on your list or in the comments, but LA PENCA Mezcal, with 2 worms, is pretty good for low $20s at Spec’s Central Texas and has good smoke flavor. I use it for sipping and bloody mary’s. Though not stated on the label, it looks to be a reposado.
MadMex, thanks for weighing in. While I cannot support your view on something with two worms being pretty good, I always say that if you like it you should drink it. You just won’t find it in my mezcal selection! I would politely recommend moving up the price curve a bit (look at my Starter Kit post) and see if you think some of those mezcals make a difference. And I look forward to your report if so!
Any recommendations on high-value Mezcals? I’ve tried El Buho and Marca Negra and really enjoyed them both, however they are too pricey to drink regularly. I was hoping someone could recommend a $25-30 bottle that tastes reasonably well. My local liquor store will order me anything I’d like, so that shouldn’t be an issue. TIA.
Unfortunately, I don’t think there is a sippable mezcal for under $30. El Buho is about as close as you can get and it is very good for sub $40. Look at my post Mezcal Starter Kit for other ideas. Mezcals are expensive because they are truly handcrafted and small batch. A good mezcal has nothing industrial to drive scale and a lower price. If you see a $25 mezcal, well you get what you pay for…..hope this helps….
[…] bursting at that seams. The sheer quantity of brands being imported into the United States today is difficult to track. We have plenty of new brands at our tasting which we try to make representative. We’ll have […]
Mezcal Meteoro!
Great stuff.
Of course! I see it all the time….added now.
As far as where to find them (Online Retailers), you should add http://www.mercadodemezcal.com.
Just picked up a bottle of Mezcalito Mio yesterday. Have you tried this? I can’t find any info or reviews online.
I have not heard of it, so cannot be of any help. Curious where you bought it and let me know what you think! They have an FB page…..
John
I found this discussion about Mezcalito Mio on the Blue Agave forum:
http://www.blueagaveforum.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2956-el-mezcalito-mezcal/
Doesn’t sound very promising.
Although note that those comments are from quite some time ago.
What about Mayalen?
I’m grasping at straws to try different mezcals here in WV. I’m taking a work trip to Baltimore tomorrow and the liquor store down the street from the hotel apparently has that brand.
Buy their Wild Cupreata if they have it or their borrego, which is a lamb pechuga – both are very good. Do not buy their Guerrero – not good! Unsure on any other expressions they have…..good luck man!
We actually stumbled into a bar that served all three. We tried them all and I later ended up with a couple bottles of the borrego and one of the guerrero (it’s harsh, but I like it!). These were my first mezcals that weren’t espadin. I’m fascinated by how different they were from the others I’ve had and from each other. Now to try more on the list!
Keep exploring. That’s what mezcal is all about!
I’m not sure if its in an older post, but what/where is “Andrews”? I see you list it here a few times as places where Mezcal is available.
Andrews Wine Cellar. Google it. Good prices but they usually have a bunch out of stock!
Andrews Wine Cellar. Google it. They have a great selection but much is out of stock frequently…..
My local liquor just stocked a Mezcal called Nuestra Soledad. I cannot find it referenced anywhere. Any knowledge regarding this brand and its quality?
Yes it is made by El Jolgorio, one of the most awesome brands, and this is their lower price point offering. They source it from 4 different producers I believe and every one I have had is a winner. The label tells you who produced each bottle. Enjoy!
Why oh why do they NOT put worms more often?
Marketing I say, they are trying to gentrify this spirit and market it to snooty upscale markets to people who are icked out by the worm.
There is some argument that the worm changes the chemical composition somewhat.
Others argue that it’s just marketing to college frat boys.
However it’s been part of the tradition of mezcal for decades and I’m saddened to see it vanish from any decent bottle.
I’m calling around in search of Wahaka reposado in the S.F. area and no one has it. At least there are still places to order sal con gusano
Is there anything else decent that still has the worm?
OMG you are killing me! Have you actually read anything I’ve written??? Snooty to have a bottle of mezcal without a worm? Maybe they should start putting Caribbean spiders into all that snooty Captain Morgan’s!!
There is absolutely NOTHING snooty about mezcal. When you go to Oaxaca and see how it is made, you will see that it is as humble, hand-crafted and truthful as a spirit can be. No pretensions. No snobbery. Just passion and pride for what they have created.
You are somewhat right about one thing: it has been a tradition for decades – but this needs needs more elaboration. It has been a tradition for really shitty mezcal, and that tradition and associated poor reputation continues to be a drag on the education of consumers as to what an amazing and quality spirit this is.
That all said, if you like worms, drink ’em. But it is not good for the category. Is there any other quality spirit in the world that puts a foreign object (let alone an unappealing larvae) into their bottle? The answer is a resounding NO! But I don’t want you to stop drinking it if that is what you like. Just promise not to tell anybody…especially me. 🙂
Point well taken. It’s really just my perception of the worm. There’s a sort of romanticism about it being there. I guess I’m a victim of the marketing. That and I’m frustrated because the Wahaka with the worm is really hard to find.
I got my worm salt in the mail, looking forward to trying something with better quality.
Now worm salt (sal de gusano) is good stuff. As you probably know, dipping it into an orange slice in between sips to cleanse the palate is a traditional way to drink mezcal. Let’s go with that romantic approach and keep it out of the bottle! Thanks for contributing!
I really like your website! It’s so helpful with the Mezcal thing. Thank you for all your post. I look forward to get your book where can I get it?
Last week I tried El Zacatecano oh my God!!! such a good thing. They are selling only in the WA area. I fell in love with all versions (silver, repo and añejo). And I knew they won double gold medals and best in show at San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2010.
Definitely you should try it. I guess they are moving to expand the market through the country.
The book is on Amazon and thanks for contributing! I have not seen El Zac on the east coast. Apparently it is very tequila like. Would you agree?
Love your website! Just getting into mescals — tequila, bacanora (the Sonoran tequila), and mezcal — thanks to a great bartender at Santiago’s in Bisbee, AZ, where I am vacationing. So have purchased four bottles to represent the trio, in blanco, reposada, and anejo. Love the smokiness of the Del Maguey Vida the barkeep intro’d me to. Can’t find it but secured a bottle of Montelobos, which I enjoy. I think I’m off whiskey now. I get the impression that the agave distillations are better for you.
Of course agave distillates are better for you! Keep drinkin’ em and thanks for contributing!
With all my respect to you but your review to the Casa Curiel Mezcal is really disappointing me, looks like you never try those Mezcal I really like Anejo is really good and I try several mezcales with worm or without it, so next time try it and then let me know Ok, buy the way I’m from Uruapan tierra de Charanda with one of the best aguardientes, and I was living in Tequila for a period of time too so I try Tequilas too
Admittedly, I have not tried it. If I ever see it I will. As I say in the post, you have to work very hard to find some of these guys in the U.S……at any rate, thanks for reading!
I’m heading to Mexico in a couple of months and was wondering what brands (with and without the worm) you might recommend that you can NOT find in the US?
I will never recommend anything with a worm. Don’t bother! There are many great brands that you cannot find in the US. Try what you find. What a few to look out for are Mezcaloteca, Bruxo, Real Minero, Siete Misterios, Mezonte, and In Situ (if in Oaxaca). The better ones in the bars and restaurants also tend to have nice packaging. But out of the major cities you will find great mezcals with crappy packaging! Good luck and enjoy!
I enjoy sangria with tequilas and especially with mescal. Any bottled brand recommendations as I am tired of always having to make my own.
See my post on Mezcal Starter Kit. That should get you there!
I’m an avid tequilla drinker, and have been wondering why I’ve never tried mezcal. After a good bit of hunting, I realized its because nh liquor stores don’t sell it! Where can I get a bottle of ilegal anjeo, ive got my heart set on it, and the website says not available in nh?! (Why?)
Well, you have picked a good one to have your heart set on – Ilegal Anejo totally rocks. For a tequila drinker, who has not tried mezcal, it is a great launching point because it has the heart of a mezcal but the smooth caramels and vanilla tones from the barrel aging. If you can not ship booze into NH, then you are kind of screwed (neighboring states a short drive away?). But if you can ship booze in, then check this story out which has some great online sellers – most should have what you are looking for. Thanks for reading!
https://mezcalphd.com/2014/05/mezcal-starter-kit-brands-price-comparisons-and-more/
Updates for your list:
Montelobos has a website: http://www.montelobos.com/
Alipus has info on the distributor’s site: http://www.craftdistillers.com/products/alipus/
Shawi has a Mexican site in Spanish: http://shawi.com.mx/
La Fogata appears to be distributed by Duggan’s Distillers, but not much info there: http://duggansdist.com/products.html
and Peleton de la Muerte has a Mexican site in the works, but no info there yet other than “Muy Pronto” (Very Soon): http://www.pelotondelamuerte.mx/
Ed, thanks for the comments. I will update the post. La Fogata is pretty weak all the way around – from their marketing to their product!!
Hi, there, congratulations, You know a lot about mezcal I’d like you to try my
mezcal. Please submit more info (address) I am located in California
Best regards Efrain Nolasco
Thanks! You can send me an email at [email protected] to discuss….