Mexico is known for Tequila, but did you know that there is far more to Mexico than Tequila. There is a whole new world to discover in agave-based spirits from Mexico. And they have already passed whiskey in sales as of 2022. And they are on track to surpass vodka by the end of 2023.
But what else is there in Mexico besides Tequila? Well, there are at least five agave spirits in Mexico. Mezcal is the most popular. And then super rare spirits like Raicilla and Bacanora. In fact, some of these spirits have only been legal for just over a decade, but have hundreds of years of history.
The neat thing about some of these other spirits is they never went thru industrialization like Tequila. Lots of them are still made in a family's back yard by master distillers for many generations. Many use hand methods and are produced in very small quantities.
We have also dedicated a section to “other” spirits of Mexico on this list. These can be anything like the mango brandy made by underground fermentation.
We hope you discover and enjoy the traditions of Mexico.
But what else is there in Mexico besides Tequila? Well, there are at least five agave spirits in Mexico. Mezcal is the most popular. And then super rare spirits like Raicilla and Bacanora. In fact, some of these spirits have only been legal for just over a decade, but have hundreds of years of history.
The neat thing about some of these other spirits is they never went thru industrialization like Tequila. Lots of them are still made in a family's back yard by master distillers for many generations. Many use hand methods and are produced in very small quantities.
We have also dedicated a section to “other” spirits of Mexico on this list. These can be anything like the mango brandy made by underground fermentation.
We hope you discover and enjoy the traditions of Mexico.
TEQUILA
Tequila is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila 65 km northwest of Guadalajara, and in the Jaliscan Highlands of the central-western Mexican state of Jalisco.
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Blanco/Silver ~ No Oak
Ghost Tequila, Ghost Pepper Infused --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 1921 Tequila, Copper Distilled Blanco --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Comisario --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 IXÁ Silver --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Cayeya Blanco --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Los Arango Tequila, Blanco --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Pueblo Viejo Blanco --1oz: $5 2oz: $10 Oro De Lidia Tequila --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Siete Leguas, Blanco --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Tequila Ocho, Single Estate Plata --1oz: $8 2oz: $16 G4 --1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Volans Ultra Premium --1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Fortaleza, Blanco --1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Siembra Valles Blanco --1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Siembra Valles Ancestral ~ Still Strenght ~ Wooden Mallet Extracted --1oz: $12 2oz: $24 |
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Resopsado ~ 2-11 Months in Oak
Casco Viejo --1oz: $5 2oz: $10 Comisario --1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Siete Leguas, Reposado --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Tequila Ocho, Single Estate Resopsado --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Oro De Lidia Tequila --1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Volans Ultra Premium --1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Fortaleza, Reposado --1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Cayeya Single Barrel --1oz: $14 2oz: $28 Añejo ~ Over 11 Months in Oak
123 Tequila, Tres Estate Bottled Añejo --1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Comisario Ultra --1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Siempre Añejo --1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Oro De Lidia Tequila --1oz: $9 2oz: $18 Siete Leguas, Añejo --1oz: $8 2oz: $16 San Matias Cristal Anejo -- Extra-Añejo ~Over 36 Months in Oak Oro De Lidia Tequila --1oz: $10 2oz: $20 Volans Extra Premium --1oz: $15 2oz: $30 |
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MEZCAL
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of maguey. The word mezcal comes from Nahuatl Mexicali which means "oven-cooked agave"
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Viejo Indecente (smokeless) Madrecuishe & Espadin ~ Oaxaca --1oz: $7 2oz: $14
Peloton de la Muerte – Espadin ~ Oaxaca --1oz: $5 2oz: $10 Peloton de la Muerte Pechuga (vegan) – Ancho & Crillo ~ Guerrero --1oz: $6 2oz: $12 Granja Nómada, Joven Mezcal Artesanal – Espadin ~ Oaxaca --1oz: $5 2oz: $10 Herodes Reposado “Pechuga” Espadin ~ Oaxaca --1oz: $7 2oz: $14 Casa Cortés Agave de Cortés Espadin ~ Oaxaca --1oz: $6 2oz: $12 Mezcal Local Pechuga (vegan), Leonel Hernández, Hand Tahona Espadín ~ Oaxaca --1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Rompe Corazón Mezcal, Heartbreaker Premium Joven Espadin ~ Oaxaca --1oz: $5 2oz: $10 Rompe Corazón Mezcal, Heartbreaker Premium Reposado Espadin ~ Oaxaca --1oz: $6 2oz: $12 Mezcal Tosba Edgar Gonzalez Tobala ~ Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24 El Jolgorio Tio Pedro Madrecuishe Santiago Matatlan Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24 |
SOTOL
Sotol is a distilled spirit of Mexican origin sourced from the family of Asparagaceae a plant that grows in the Chihuahua desert of northern Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona, and west and central Texas.
Sotol Herodes Artesnal – Dasylirion – Durango --1oz: $6 2oz: $12
Sotol Coyote, Alejandro Solís – Dasylirion – Cuencamé, Durango --1oz: $6 2oz: $12
Sotol Coyote, Maestro Sotolero Gerardo Ruelas --1oz: $6 2oz: $12
Dasylirion – Aldama Chihuahua --1oz: $6 2oz: $12
Sotol Coyote, Alejandro Solís – Dasylirion – Cuencamé, Durango --1oz: $6 2oz: $12
Sotol Coyote, Maestro Sotolero Gerardo Ruelas --1oz: $6 2oz: $12
Dasylirion – Aldama Chihuahua --1oz: $6 2oz: $12
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BACANORABacanora is an agave-derived liquor made in the Mexican state of Sonora. The distillation of Bacanora was illegal until 1992, being bootlegged by Vinateros for many generations.
Kilinga, Bacanora Premium Silvestre - Agave Angustifolia --1oz: $6 2oz: $12 Casa Tres Amigos Santo Cuviso - Agave Angustifolia --1oz: $9 2oz: $18 RAICILLARaicilla is a distilled spirit, originating in the southwestern portion of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Like tequila and mezcal, it is a product of the agave plant. Raicilla has only been legal since 2009. It was considered Mexico’s “moonshine”. The producers claimed it was produced from the agave root instead of the agave head and thus not eligible for taxation.
Estancia – Maximiliana --1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Estancia Pechuga – Maximiliana --1oz: $8 2oz: $16 Mezonte, Hildegardo “Japo” Joya – Maguey Amarillo --1oz: $15 2oz: $30 |
DECLASSIFIED AGAVE “MEZCALES”
These are agave-based spirits that don’t meet any of the official classifications. They are still distilled from agave and most in a traditional method that preserves the local culture.
MAGUEY MELATE
Maguey Melate was founded on two ideas: 1) Artisanal agave spirits are amazing and should be shared with the world, and 2) The faster-cheaper economy is a harmful force for people, the environment, and now agave spirits. They believe if mezcal (and agave spirits) can be understood and appreciated at its full potential, people will show their preference for quality artisanal mezcal that is sustainably and fairly sourced. By raising consumer consciousness on the origins of mezcal and educating enthusiasts on matters of quality and character, informed people will be empowered to ensure the future of mezcal. To do this, they’re reaching a large audience with an impactful message: KEEP MEZCAL ARTISANAL!
MEZONTE
Mezonte is a noprofit organization that promotes, supports, and preserves the production and practices of traditional agave spirits. Mezonte’s main objective is to create awareness of the cultural and biological value that these spirits represent. They feature agave spirits from all over Mexico, with an emphasis on Jalisco and Michoacán. Their producers make mezcal, raicilla, barranca, tuxca, sikua, or any other name used for distilled agave in this region. When Mezonte buys a batch from a producer, they only buy 60% of the batch because they want the community and the culture of the community to continue to consume and enjoy as they have for hundreds of years.
Del Que Toma el Cardenal Don Fortunato Santiago Pérez Tobalá ~ Albarradas, Oaxaca --1oz: $9 2oz: $18
Chacolo Don Macario Partida – Brocha and Ixtero Amarillo Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
The maguey Brocha is an agave Angustifolia, sub-varietal related to Espadin, and the maguey Ixtero Amarillo is an agave Rhodacantha, sub-varietal related to Mexicano. These agaves are 3-4 year capon. The agave is cooked in an underground oven and milled by hand with axes. Once cooked and milled, the agave is fermented naturally in wooden tinas with mountain spring water. Finally, they are double distilled in a Filipino style still.
Del Que Toma el Cardenal Don Fortunato Santiago Pérez Tobalá ~ Albarradas, Oaxaca --1oz: $9 2oz: $18
Chacolo Don Macario Partida – Brocha and Ixtero Amarillo Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
The maguey Brocha is an agave Angustifolia, sub-varietal related to Espadin, and the maguey Ixtero Amarillo is an agave Rhodacantha, sub-varietal related to Mexicano. These agaves are 3-4 year capon. The agave is cooked in an underground oven and milled by hand with axes. Once cooked and milled, the agave is fermented naturally in wooden tinas with mountain spring water. Finally, they are double distilled in a Filipino style still.
Mezonte Santos Juarez 2018 - Alimeno & Cimarron – Jalisco --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
Banana and corn leaves cover the conical underground oven where the maguey roasts for 3 to 5 days with mesquite firewood. After this process, it is uncovered and crushed with wooden or metal mallets directly on the rock floor where the fermentation vats are, or as they call it: It is probably the oldest
method of fermentation for mezcales. The stills are hand-made tools, made of a hollowed-out trunk of parota tree and with a copper bowl base. These tools allow great precision and effectiveness, even though they are handcrafted.
Banana and corn leaves cover the conical underground oven where the maguey roasts for 3 to 5 days with mesquite firewood. After this process, it is uncovered and crushed with wooden or metal mallets directly on the rock floor where the fermentation vats are, or as they call it: It is probably the oldest
method of fermentation for mezcales. The stills are hand-made tools, made of a hollowed-out trunk of parota tree and with a copper bowl base. These tools allow great precision and effectiveness, even though they are handcrafted.
Mezonte, Jorge Perez Inaequidens ~ Michoacán --1oz: $20 2oz: $40
Mezonte Michoacan is made with maguey Alto (agave Inaequidens) in Rio de Parras, Querendaro, Michoacan. The agave are cooked in a shallow brick oven (if you dig too deep, you hit water), fermented in brick with about 6 liters of pulque, and distilled in a hollowed-out tree trunk that has a copper top. This is made by master distiller Jorge Perez. The first batch imported into the US was produced in 2018 at just 285 liters.
Mezonte Michoacan is made with maguey Alto (agave Inaequidens) in Rio de Parras, Querendaro, Michoacan. The agave are cooked in a shallow brick oven (if you dig too deep, you hit water), fermented in brick with about 6 liters of pulque, and distilled in a hollowed-out tree trunk that has a copper top. This is made by master distiller Jorge Perez. The first batch imported into the US was produced in 2018 at just 285 liters.
Mezonte, Virgen Lorenzo Chancuellar, Jalisco --1oz: $18 2oz: $36
Virgin Lorenzo used Ixtero Amarillo, Cimarrón, Cimarrón Prieto, and Cenizo for Batch #2. The piñas are cooked in an earth and stone oven for 3-4 days roasted with mesquite. Afterward, the piñas are chopped by hand with an axe then fermented for more than two weeks in plastic vats. Distillation is done by Filipino still with a copper saucepan inserted. This is basically uncertified Raicilla.
Virgin Lorenzo used Ixtero Amarillo, Cimarrón, Cimarrón Prieto, and Cenizo for Batch #2. The piñas are cooked in an earth and stone oven for 3-4 days roasted with mesquite. Afterward, the piñas are chopped by hand with an axe then fermented for more than two weeks in plastic vats. Distillation is done by Filipino still with a copper saucepan inserted. This is basically uncertified Raicilla.
Erstwhile 2021 Silveria Garcia Luis & Epifania Gomez Mejia – Tepezate Limited Edition Ancestral – Tepeztate Joven - Oaxaca --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
A legacy of the era when Mezcal production was illegal in Oaxaca, this batch of Tepeztate crafted by Silverio García Luis – a 2021 Ancestral Limited Release – rescues a García family tradition that had been forgotten for more than forty years. Don Lencho, Silverio’s father, used a hollowed-out quiote (the flowering stalk of agave plants) instead of a copper turbante, to evade the military that would come and seize his distillation equipment by force.
A legacy of the era when Mezcal production was illegal in Oaxaca, this batch of Tepeztate crafted by Silverio García Luis – a 2021 Ancestral Limited Release – rescues a García family tradition that had been forgotten for more than forty years. Don Lencho, Silverio’s father, used a hollowed-out quiote (the flowering stalk of agave plants) instead of a copper turbante, to evade the military that would come and seize his distillation equipment by force.
Maguey Melate Arroqueño 2014 – Semei Garcia Ramos Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca --1oz: $8 2oz: $16
Maguey Melate Madrecuishe - German Manzano Martinez Zoquitlan, Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Maguey Melate Jabali & Tepextate – Lidia Hernandez Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Maguey Melate Arroqueño – Semei Garcia Ramos Barril Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
Maguey Melate Papalometl – Jose Erubiel Mota Matrinez Zapotitlán Lagunas, Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Maguey Melate Tobaziche Felix Angeles Arellanes Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
Maguey Melate Tobasiche & Barril Gregorio Hernandez Lopez ~ La Compania, Oaxaca --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
Maguey Melate Tobaziche & Madrecuishe Rosario Ángeles Vásquez ~ Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Maguey Melate Barril Mexicano 2012 - Semei Garcia Ramos Hand Mallet Extracted ~ Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
Maguey Melate Madrecuishe - German Manzano Martinez Zoquitlan, Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Maguey Melate Jabali & Tepextate – Lidia Hernandez Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Maguey Melate Arroqueño – Semei Garcia Ramos Barril Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
Maguey Melate Papalometl – Jose Erubiel Mota Matrinez Zapotitlán Lagunas, Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Maguey Melate Tobaziche Felix Angeles Arellanes Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
Maguey Melate Tobasiche & Barril Gregorio Hernandez Lopez ~ La Compania, Oaxaca --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
Maguey Melate Tobaziche & Madrecuishe Rosario Ángeles Vásquez ~ Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Maguey Melate Barril Mexicano 2012 - Semei Garcia Ramos Hand Mallet Extracted ~ Santa Maria La Pila, Oaxaca --1oz: $15 2oz: $30
OTHER MEXICAN SPIRITS
Jose Jaime Morales Aquino Village- Villa Hidalgo, Yalalag Agaves matured-5 Mo Wild Grinder-by hand Fermentation- 5-8 days in clay underground Still Type- Clay Pot
Maguey Melate Plum Brandy --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Maguey Melate Mango Brandy --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Pajarote, Ponche de Chocolate Liqueur --1oz: $10 2oz: $10
Maguey Melate Plum Brandy --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Maguey Melate Mango Brandy --1oz: $12 2oz: $24
Pajarote, Ponche de Chocolate Liqueur --1oz: $10 2oz: $10
