What Does Mezcal Taste Like?
If you’ve ever wondered “What does mezcal taste like?”, you’re not alone. Mezcal is gaining global popularity — and for good reason. Its rich, complex, and smoky flavor makes it unlike any other spirit. Mezcal is a beverage primarily native to Oaxaca (there are other states). Sugars are extracted from the agave to later produce the mezcal we call «mezcal.»
Mezcal is often described as smoky, but the smoke isn’t overpowering — it’s earthy, warm, and aromatic. This comes from the traditional cooking process, where agave hearts (piñas) are roasted in underground stone ovens, giving mezcal its unmistakable character.
So, What Does Mezcal Taste Like?
The agave is in constant contact with fires caused by wood and stones for a period of 4 to 7 days (this will depend on the location or family tradition). This time, the agave acquires a smoky note from the wood smoke. Even when tasting the agave after it’s been cooked in the conical oven, we can find sweet and smoky notes.
So the key to the smoky note in mezcal is in the cooking process of the agave.
Description of the agave cooking process
- Wooden logs the size of a chair (for reference) are placed in the conical oven. Approximately 6 cubic meters of wood are placed, either pine or oak.
- Volcanic-style rock is placed on top of the wood, covering the entire wood.
- The wood is lit very carefully to avoid accidents.
- The oven is left on for approximately 6 to 8 hours.
- After this time, agave bagasse is placed on top of the red-hot stones to avoid direct contact with the agave.
- The agave is placed on top for cooking. Typically, about 12 tons of agave are placed in traditional ovens.
- It is covered with tarps and soil, and then inspected on the fourth day to determine the agave’s condition.
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Herbal, Fruity, and Earthy Notes
Depending on the type of agave used to produce mezcal, espadin agave is the most common, but there are other types of agave. These are the notes we can find. Some of the specific notes of mezcal are:
- Herbal notes: rosemary, mint, or eucalyptus
- Fruity hints: citrus, pineapple, mango, or banana
- Earthy undertones: clay, minerals, wet stone
- Sweetness: cooked agave can create caramel and vanilla tones
Some wild agave varieties (like Tobalá, Cuishe, or Tepeztate) produce exotic, floral, or spicy flavors.
What Influences the Taste of Mezcal?
Several factors affect mezcal’s flavor:
Agave species – Espadín is the most common (mild, balanced), while wild varieties add complexity.
Terroir (soil & region) – Agaves from Oaxaca taste different than those from Durango.
Distillation method – Copper stills vs. clay pot stills affect texture and aroma.
Aging – Most mezcals are joven (unaged), but reposado or añejo varieties add oak, vanilla, and spice.
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⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇
| Características | Mezcal 400 Conejos Reposado | Mezcal Amaras | Mezcal Ojo de Tigre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imagen |  |  |  |
| Agave | Espadin | Espadín | Espadín + Tobalá |
| Volumen | 750 ml | 750 ml | 750 ml |
| Alcohol | 38% | 37% | 37% |
| Precio | $558 MXN | $784 MXN | $531 MXN |
| Opinión compradores | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Comprar en Amazon | Comprar en Amazon | Comprar en Amazon |
How Should You Drink Mezcal?
To truly appreciate mezcal’s flavor:
- Sip it neat — no ice, no lime, no salt
- Use a wide glass (like a veladora or copita)
- Smell it first, then take small sips
- Cleanse your palate with orange slices and sal de gusano (optional)
- Pro tip: Avoid shooting mezcal like tequila. It’s meant to be savored slowly.
Common Descriptions by Mezcal Drinkers
People describe mezcal as:
“Campfire in a glass”
“Smoky but smooth”
“Earthy and vegetal”
“A wild adventure for your taste buds”
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Final Thoughts
What does mezcal taste like? It’s a mix of smoke, sweetness, earthiness, and mystery. Each bottle is different, shaped by nature and tradition.
If you’re new to mezcal, start with a joven Espadín and explore from there. It’s a drink full of depth, history, and soul — once you try it, there’s no going back.
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