Which is the best cheap mezcal in 2023?
Mezcal is a spirit drink distilled from different types of Agave and not even necessarily from a single plant, the most famous is called Espadín. The Mezcal’s cooking is completely handmade, underground in clay ovens, where the piñas (the heart of the Agave) can acquire smoky notes.
If you’re looking for a good, nice and cheap Mezcal, in this article I present to you my personal selection of the 5 mezcals with the best quality-price ratio in [tear] that you can find online.
Mezcal is one of the most emblematic drinks of Mexico, although tequila has had better marketing, for many, some mezcal brands, are a lot more interesting.
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Mezcal vs Tequila
Mezcal is a popular agave liquor from Mexico. The process starts with the harvesting of agave plants, which are milled and piled on stones over a pine wood fire. The juice is then added and fermentation begins, taking between five and eight days. The agaves are then twice-distilled to separate the water from the alcohol, producing a complex alcoholic beverage. However, there are also a number of commercially available mezcals.
Although tequila continues to dominate the market, mezcal continues to grow in popularity, with sales exceeding three billion dollars in 2018. Meanwhile, liquor conglomerates are jockeying to acquire mezcal brands and boost sales.
Constellation Brands, for example, acquired a minority stake in Mezcal El Silencio earlier this year. Other companies such as Diageo and Bacardi have also acquired mezcal brands. In 2017, Pernod Ricard entered the mezcal market. As a result, the mezcal market continues to grow, with bars and restaurants continuing to create new and exciting mezcal cocktails.
Despite the popularity of mezcal, the process is not simple. Because it requires so much time and patience to mature, the agave plant takes the longest time to reach its full potential. In Mexico, the process is slow, and agave takes a minimum of four years to reach maturity. Some varieties take decades to reach maturity. The long process of aging agave is necessary for the unique flavor and aroma to develop.
Top 5 best cheap Mezcal in the market in 2023
Artisanal Mezcal Pensador Ensamble: best mezcal for margaritas
The artisanal Mezcal Pensador Ensamble, made from 100% agave –Ensamble of Espadín & Madrecuishe from Miahuatlán in Southern Oaxaca – Mexico.
Firstly, regarding the tasting notes, you will feel in the palate roasted apricot, cacao, and gentle smoke, bottled at a spirit warming.
Characteristics
- Flavour: Roasted Apricot, Cacao, and Gentle Smoke
- Alcohol Content: 48 Percent
- Liquid Volume: 500 Milliliters
- Brand: El Camino Del Pensador Mezcal
In addition, Pensador mezcal is produced by hand from local, organic agave. No chemicals, foreign yeasts, or electrical equipment are used in the process.
Finally, the process involves two distillations and six days roasted.
Mezcal verde Espadin Agave: best smoky mezcal
The Mezcal Verde Espadin Agave features a unique label designed by a different living Mexican artist, a way of supporting local creatives this mezcal brand has developed.
Firstly, for this cheap mezcal it is used 3 different wood types – Pine Tree, Holm Oak and Pepper Tree – to create a smokey flavour and ripe peach and grass notes.
Characteristics
- Flavour: Ripe peach
- Alcohol Content: 42 Percent
- Liquid Volume: 700 Milliliters
- Brand: MVM VERDE MOMENTO
In addition, gentle and sweet jasmine with a herbal hint and a finish of sweet caramel notes will join you in your mezcal tasting experience.
Finally, the agaves are organically grown by small, sustainable producers before moving onto a 100% natural fermentation process, with no added chemicals.
Gusano Rojo Mezcal: Mezcal Worm
The Gusano Rojo Mezcal is an ideal present or gift to a mezcal lover, the bottle is fun as there is a cartoon worm on the label, too with arms, legs and a cheeky grin.
Firstly, in the palate, you will feel a smoky, slightly sweet Mezcal made in Oaxaca – Mexico.
Characteristics
- Flavour:
- Alcohol Content: 38 Percent
- Liquid Volume: 700 Milliliters
- Brand: Gusano Rojo
In addition, this Mezcal is completed with a worm in the bottom which can be eaten or drunk.
Finally, the distillation process comes of fermented agave juice of several species, then it is allowed at least 2 months in wooden casks of white oak or oak for stabilization.
Zignum Silver Mezcal Joven: best mezcal for shots
The Zignum Silver Mezcal Joven, made with 100 percent espadin agave in Mexico.
Firstly, a soft aroma and taste contain the sweet distinction of the agave with an intense glow and luminosity at all times.
Characteristics
- Flavour: Citric
- Alcohol Content: 38 Percent
- Liquid Volume: 700 Milliliters
- Brand: Zignum
In addition, this spirit is perfect to enjoy neat or in mezcal cocktails with the subtle smokiness prevalent in mezcal.
Finally, this mezcal rescues the original citrus and herbaceous flavour of agave. Silky and long-lasting in the palate.
Quiquiriqui Mezcal: best for beginners
The Quiquiriqui Matatlan Mezcal, is made using traditional methods with Espadin on the riverbank in Mazatlan – Mexico.
Firstly, in the palate, you can feel fantastic fruity and floral flavours with classic caramel notes and general smokiness of the mezcal.
Characteristics
- Flavour: Fruity and floral
- Alcohol Content: 45 Percent
- Liquid Volume: 700 Milliliters
- Brand: QuiQuiRiQui Mezcal
In addition, this mezcal is made to order in small batches using agave plants, picked only when fully mature, then cooked, wild fermented and distilled in alembic 350lts stills.
Finally, there is no use of chemicals, colourings, preservatives or additives during mezcal production.
Top 5 the best mezcal in the market in 2023
Casamigos Mezcal
The Casamigos Mezcal, is an artisanal 100% Espadín agave spirit made and distillated in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Firstly, in the palate is uniquely smooth, very easy to drink and smoked to point of almost perfection.
Characteristics
- Flavour: Mango, Pomegranate, Banana
- Alcohol Content: 40 Percent
- Liquid Volume: 700 Milliliters
- Brand: Casamigos
In addition, you can serve Casamigos Mezcal neat, on the rocks with a fresh slice of orange, or as the perfect base for mezcal cocktails.
Finally, each Casamigos Mezcal bottle, is designed by artist Rande Gerber and is handcrafted and rubbed using a unique process insuring no two bottles will be the same.
Mezcal Los Siete Misterios Doba-yej
Los Siete Misterios Doba-yej Mezca, is two times distilled, either in copper pot stillfor artisanal mezcals or clay pot still for ancestral mezcals. The result is a crystalline and bright mezcal.
Firstly, in the palate it is possible to feel the scents of lemon citrus yellow, lime, grapefruit and apple smoked delicate yellow sparkles.
Characteristics
- Flavour: Citrus
- Alcohol Content: 44 Percent
- Liquid Volume: 700 Milliliters
- Brand: Los Siete Misterios
In addition, some violet tones and delicate floral notes of sweet toasted caramel cooked agave will join you in the tasting.
Finally, this good mezcal has all the artisanal characteristics to be delighted straight or be mixed into a mezcal cocktail, it tends to improve with some.
Marca Negra Mezcal Espadin
The Marca Negra Mezcal Espadin is produced in San Juan Rio, Oaxaca – Mexico by Abel Nolasco Velasco in small batches of up to 1,000 bottles at a time.
Firstly, a palate of spicy pepper with a dry, sweet and fruitiness on the lips and a herbal, smooth and smoky body, ideal tequila to drink it neat.
Characteristics
- Flavour: Spice pepper
- Alcohol Content: 51,5 Percent
- Liquid Volume: 700 Milliliters
- Brand: Marca Negra
In addition, this mezcal has wet wood, smoke and spice with a spot of mint on the nose, before the tasting, you can smell the great scents.
Finally, each mezcal bottle is hand-numbered and signed by the Maestro, making it a more unique experience.
The El Tinieblo Mezcal Anejo, it is distilled up to 24 months in Charred American White Oak Barrels in Rancho El Tinieblo, Tamaulipus – Mexico.
Firstly, in the palate, you will feel vanilla hints and wood, savours that comes from the blue agave.
Characteristics
- Flavour: Vanilla and wood!
- Alcohol Content: 40 Percent
- Liquid Volume: 700 Milliliters
- Brand: El Tinieblo
In addition, ritual dictates mezcal to be sipped served with orange slices and handmade Sal de Guzano (insect-based salts in English), very popular in Mexico.
Finally, this mezcal is produced using traditional methods and then bottled in 100% recycled glass hand-blown bottles, it is the sustainability-first artisanal mezcal brand.
Alipus San Juan Joven Mezcal
The Alipus San Juan Joven Mezcal, made from agave angustifolia (Maguey Espadín) – Kulturagave in San Juan del Rio, Oaxaca – Mexico.
Firstly, In the palate, you feel the persistence of the smoky character, herbs, with a mineralized note. On the nose: smoked, herbaceous and roots.
Characteristics
- Flavour: Smoky herbal
- Alcohol Content: 47,5 Percent
- Liquid Volume: 700 Milliliters
- Brand: Alipús
In addition, the mezcal is made of traditional workmanship Garment in the ground pit with oak, then crushing with stone mill (Tahona) and draught animal.
Finally, the fermentation process is natural using wild yeasts in oak barrels, then double distillation in copper pot stills.
Where to buy the Best Mezcal UK in 2023
Surely in the liquor shops in your neighbourhoods, they will have some good mezcal.
Another option is large chains such as Harrods, the Whisky exchange, that have departments dedicated exclusively to mezcal brands.
Now, if in this guide that we have presented to you, you have not found the mezcal that fits to you, click here and it will take you to the complete list of best cheap mezcal Amazon.