The 11 Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours You Need to Book ASAP
Want to take one of the best Mezcal Tours in Oaxaca?
You’ve come to the right place because the 11 best Oaxaca mezcal tours are all featured here.
Fun Fact: Mezcal is the national spirit of Mexico. Although you can drink it throughout Mexico, Oaxaca is the home of mezcal — and where more than 90% of all Mexico mezcal is produced.
It’s no surprise Oaxaca mezcal tours are some of the best in the country. In fact, this Educational Mezcal Tour with Alvaro is the highest-rated of all Oaxaca mezcal tours, with a near-perfect 5 Star rating.
🥃 EDITOR’S CHOICE: BEST OAXACA MEZCAL TOUR | Educational Mezcal Tour with Alvaro
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of Oaxaca mezcal tours so you can pick the one that works best for you. Whichever you choose, know you definitely want to try some locally-produced mezcal while traveling to Oaxaca.
Ready to discover all the best Oaxaca mezcal tours? Let’s get to it!
Top 3 Picks: Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mezcal and Mole with a Certified Sommelier
✔️ Tasting of 7 moles
✔️ Mezcal cocktail
#2 PICK
Educational Mezcal Tour with Alvaro
✔️ Traditional Oaxacan snack
✔️ Tasting of 10+ mezcals
#3 PICK
The Last Ancestral Mezcal in Oaxaca
✔️ Mezcal tasting
✔️ Private transportation
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
What is mezcal?
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage. It is made from agave (specifically Agave americana), one of the most common types of maguey plant.
It has been around for more than 400 years, and is the first known distilled spirit in Latin America and on the Americas Continent.
Para todo mal mezcal y para todo bien, también. (For everything bad, mezcal, and for everything good, mezcal.)
see more Mexican quotes and IG Captions
The word mezcal comes from the Aztec word mexcalli, meaning oven-cooked agave.
Tequila is actually a form of mezcal, though they are distilled differently — mezcal is cooked in an underground oven, and tequila is boiled.
Check out the Oaxaca Mezcal FAQ at the end of this article to learn even more about traditional Oaxacan mezcal.
For now, let’s get to this list of the 11 best Oaxaca mezcal tours.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
1. Mezcal and Mole with a Certified Sommelier
Editor’s Choice: Best Mezcal Tasting in Oaxaca City
⏰ Tour Length: 1.5 hours | ⭐️ Ratings: 4.96 out of 5 Stars | 🥃 Book now
This Mezcal and Mole Tour is led by Daniel, a professional mezcal sommelier (yes, these exist). It is a once-in-a-lifetime, immersive adventure into the worlds of Oaxaca mezcal and Oaxaca mole — one you’ll never forget.
Located in a mountain-view tasting room, participants will taste all seven moles of Oaxaca (Note: They’re all vegetarian). Each Oaxacan mole has been perfectly paired with seven artisanal and ancestral mezcals.
Absolutely incredible. I learned so much, loved all the moles and all the mezcals, and the host was exceptional in every way. Highly highly recommend!
—Carmen (read more reviews)
Each mezcal has been carefully chosen to showcase the characteristics of different agaves. By the end of the meal, you’ll have a full belly, a nice buzz, and a vast knowledge of Oaxaca mezcal!
Along with tasting delicious moles and mezcal, this experience is the perfect place to learn about and discuss traditional Mexican foods and Mexico’s rich gastronomic heritage.
If at the end you discover a mezcal you particularly love, you can also buy one to take home with you as a souvenir. After all, mezcal is one of the most popular Oaxaca souvenirs visitors will take home.
Note: This experience is great for vegetarians and vegans; but make sure to let the host know about dietary restrictions when you book. Spanish tour options are also available.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
2. Educational Mezcal Tour with Alvaro
Editor’s Choice: Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tour to the Agave Fields
⏰ Tour Length: 6 hours | ⭐️ Ratings: 4.97 out of 5 Stars | 🥃 Book now
The history of mezcal dates back hundreds of years, and this Educational Mezcal Tour with Alvaro explores the history, culture and tradition surrounding the national spirit of Mexico.
I love that we went to less visited Mezcal sites for Oaxaca. The history and information about Mezcal and how to make it was one of a kind. The mezcal was delicious. I learned so much.
—Carmen (read more reviews)
The experience starts with a visit to the Oaxaca villages of San Pablo Villa de Mitla (or just Mitla for short) and Santiago Matatlán.
Santiago Matatlan Oaxaca is known as the World Capital of Mezcal. This is where the majority of Oaxaca mezcal comes from, and most mezcaleros (mezcal makers) use artisan methods passed through generations.
Mitla is a Oaxaca pueblo magico (magic town) known for its culture, history, ancient ruins, architecture and mezcal — locally called la bebida de los dioses, or “the drink of the gods.”
Here, you’ll start your walking tour through rows and rows of agave plants. After some activities and photos, you’ll take a mezcal factory tour. On this tour, you get a front row seat to see how mezcal is made.
Of course, no Oaxaca mezcal tour is complete without a mezcal tasting.
You’ll also enjoy a tasting or two. The experience ends with a traditional Oaxacan food lunch — which will obviously include more mezcal!
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
3. The Last Ancestral Mezcal in Oaxaca
Editor’s Choice: Best Educational Oaxaca Mezcal Tour
⏰ Tour Length: 4 hours | ⭐️ Ratings: 4.97 out of 5 Stars | 🥃 Book now
Although historians initially believed mezcal was created more than 400 years ago when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in Mexico, this had been debunked.
They previously said the Spanish brought over the distillation process to the New World. However, archaeological investigations have shown alcohol distillation was known and used before the arrival of Europeans.
On the Last Ancestral Mezcal in Oaxaca Tour, you’ll learn more about prehispanic mezcal while visiting an ancestral palenque. Palenque (pronounced paw-lan-kay) is the name for a mezcal distillery in Oaxaca.
If you want to learn more about the plants and tradition surrounding the making of mezcal this is the tour for you. Very hospitable hosts. Authentic experience.
—wendy (read more reviews)
Join guide Armando for a mezcal tour in the pueblo (small town) of San Antonio Arrazola Oaxaca, located near Monte Alban Ruins.
San Antonio Arrazola is famous as the Oaxaca alebrije town, but also for its mezcal. The popular Mezcal el Sonador is made here, using ancient artisanal mezcal techniques.
On the tour, you’ll get a chance to see how local mezcaleros (mezcal makers) use these original techniques used to craft mezcal, and also try some for yourself.
Besides seeing how it’s made, your guide will also talk about the different agave plants used to make Oaxacan mezcal. You’ll discover how each plant impacts the mezcal flavor and overall drinking experience.
If you’re looking for an educational mezcal tour in Oaxaca, do not miss the Last Ancestral Mezcal in Oaxaca Tour with Armando.
This is the hand-down best tour for those who want to learn more about mezcal’s historical and cultural significance in the state of Oaxaca. Once the tour concludes, you can buy a bottle (or two!) of your favorite mezcal.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
4. A Day in the Life Mezcal Tour with Alvin
Editor’s Choice: Best Tour for Mezcal Aficionados
⏰ Tour Length: 10 hours | ⭐️ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🥃 Book now
The best way to understand how mezcal is made is by participating in its production. In this Day in the Life Tour with Alvin, you’ll immerse yourself fully in the creation process — from agave harvest to distilled mezcal.
You’ll visit several palenques (mezcal distilleries in Oaxaca), and taste about 25-30 different artesian mezcals. When you fall in love with a particular mezcal, Alvin can arrange to have it bottled up for you!
Unforgettable, once in a lifetime kind of experience. Alvin has cultivated close relationships with numerous amazing mezcaleros and their facilities over the years. When you visit a palenque, you are welcomed like family…
—Sam (read more reviews)
On this thoughtfully-curated tour, you’ll experience the various mezcal states of production alongside the palenqueros (pronounced paw-lan-care-ohs, and meaning mezcal distillers), as well as their family members.
You can try cutting agave in the field, preparing the oven, getting the baked agave ready for macerating, crushing the agave piña by hand, and working with the fermentation vats. There’s no shortage of work on the palenque!
Throughout the day, you’ll have breaks to simply enjoy your surroundings. There’s an optional lunch at a local eatery which serves traditional Oaxacan cuisine. (Note: Lunch is not included, but costs about $15 USD).
During the tour, you’ll sample a wide variety of mezcals — upwards of 30 types. You can purchase a couple of bottles for yourself, and since you’re buying direct from the farmers, the prices are all well below retail.
If you want to get your hands dirty while working alongside indigenous Zapotec producers on a palenque, don’t miss out on this incredibly unique experience.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
5. Mezcal Tour With Casa Convite Oaxaca
⏰ Tour Length: 7 hours | ⭐️ Ratings: 4.88 out of 5 Stars | 🥃 Book now
The Casa Convite Mezcal Tour starts at Casa Convite, located in the heart of Downtown Oaxaca City. Next, you’ll be whisked away to explore the small town of Tlacolula Oaxaca.
Located 18 miles (30 km) from Oaxaca City, Tlacolula is home to one of the oldest markets on the continent. Here, you’ll shop for local ingredients that will be used to make a home-cooked Oaxacan meal to eat at the end of the tour.
This was an excellent educational look into the old ways of making mezcal. It was not overly detailed, but simple in its approach to help understand the process behind the making of mezcal.
—Kent (read more reviews)
After the Tlacolula Market, it’s off to visit the Casa Convite palenque (Oaxaca mezcal distillery). At this fully operational distillery, you’ll see how mezcal is made, and of course, enjoy a few tasting sessions along the way.
🛍 Looking for the best shopping in Oaxaca? The Sunday Tlacolula Market is one of the biggest and best markets in Oaxaca Mexico.
After visiting the palenque, you’ll visit some nearby mountains to see wild agave plants growing. This is an ideal place to get some Instagram worthy Oaxaca photos, with the gorgeous Oaxaca agave fields as a backdrop.
To wrap up, you’ll return to the palenque and enjoy a typical mezcalero lunch — the same home cooked meal the mezcal makers eat. During lunch, the tour hosts will dazzle you with stories and secrets of Oaxaca mezcal culture.
You can learn more about Casa Convite here.
🥃 More about Casa Convite Oaxaca
Casa Convite is one of the first places in Oaxaca that focused (and still focuses) on promoting mezcal as a culture, not just a drink. They’re an independent mezcal house that creates some of the best artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca.
Casa Convite only produces and sells mezcal that’s 100% fair trade. They promote Oaxacan heritage in everything they do, while preserving the traditions behind this culturally-significant spirit.
Casa Convite is located in the heart of Oaxaca City, and you can visit on your own. The location is home to four spaces:
- A tasting room where visitors can appreciate a variety of mezcals.
- An exhibition where you can learn about making mezcal.
- One of the best Oaxaca City restaurants that serves traditional Oaxacan cuisine and locally-made mezcal.
- A boutique where you can purchase some of their artisanal mezcal.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
6. Oaxaca Mezcal Tour with Craft Beer and Cuisine Pairing
Editor’s Choice: Best Private Oaxaca Mezcal Tour
⏰ Tour Length: 10 hours | ⭐️ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🥃 Book now
Ready to step off the tourist trail and explore Oaxaca mezcal’s cultural and historical traditions? Then the Oaxaca Mezcal Tour with Craft Beer and Cuisine Pairing is for you.
This tour has it all: mezcal, gourmet food, craft beer and distillery tours. As one of the best private mezcal tours in Oaxaca, it also includes pick-up from your accommodation.
This was a unique experience that allowed us to interact up close and personal with several palenqueros… Would recommend to anyone looking for an authentic experience.
—joseph m. (read more reviews)
The tour starts with you getting picked-up at your Oaxaca City hotel or Airbnb. You’re then whisked away to various local palenques to see how mezcal is made, and where you’ll enjoy several mezcal tastings.
You’ll have the chance to meet local mezcaleros and learn more about mezcal’s history and distillation process. At the end of the tour, guests are served a beautiful five-course Oaxacan lunch with local craft beer pairing.
🍻 Oaxaca Fun Fact: Along with being known for its mezcal, Oaxaca City is one of the top Mexican beer towns as well.
If you are looking to sample some of the best of what Oaxaca has to offer, gastronomically speaking, then this tour is perfect for you.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
7. Get a Taste of Real Oaxacan Food and Mezcal
Editor’s Choice: Best Semi-Private Oaxaca Mezcal Tour
⏰ Tour Length: 10 hours | ⭐️ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🥃 Book now
Oaxaca is one of the most culturally diverse states in Mexico, with eight distinct regions and 16 indigenous groups. While most visitors stick to just Oaxaca City and its surrounding areas, there’s just so much more to see.
If you’re looking to explore the less-touristy side of Oaxaca, this Get a Taste of Real Oaxacan Food and Mezcal with Leyver is perfect for you.
Our experience with Leyver was wonderful and thoughtfully curated. The tour only allows for a few people which makes it an intimate experience. The places he brings you are off the beaten path and truly Oaxacan.
—Wes (read more reviews)
The tour is led by Leyver, a Oaxaca local with his own mezcal brand. Leyver will pick you up at your Oaxaca hotel or Airbnb and take you to grab some Oaxacan breakfast in a nearby small town.
Once breakfast is finished, you’ll be able to buy some artisan handicrafts from a nearby mercado (market), before heading to a local distillery. Here, you’ll see the ancient traditions and methods used to create real Oaxaca mezcal.
Lunch will be served in a local eatery before heading to another distillery to end the day.
🥃 Semi-Private Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
One of the great things about this tour is that it’s for smaller groups only.
This allows for a certain degree of personalization. Although there’s a set itinerary, suggestions are welcome and some customizations are possible. It’s not quite a private mezcal tour in Oaxaca, but it’s close.
Get a Taste of Real Oaxacan Food and Mezcal is the perfect tour if you prefer small groups — or want a private tour experience minus the private tour price tag.
🥃 Private Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
If you do want a fully private tour, check out the Gastronomy Experience: Culture, Mezcal Tasting & Textiles where you can explore Oaxaca’s various tastes, people, and traditions.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
8. Artisanal Mezcal Distillery in Authentic Zapotec Village
⏰ Tour Length: 9 hours | ⭐️ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🥃 Book now
The Zapotec ethnic group is one of the largest indigenous groups in Oaxaca. In pre-Columbian times this particular civilization was one of the highest developed cultures in Mesoamerica.
In this specific Artisanal Mezcal Distillery Tour, you’ll not only be able to taste some traditional artisanal mezcal, but you’ll also be able to experience the Zapotec way of life.
Cesar provided an amazing experience. If you are looking for an authentic day with someone who is willing to share his culture, his home, his community, and do so with an open heart, you couldn’t ask for more.
—Ravinder (read more reviews)
Your tour begins in Oaxaca City, where you will travel by taxi with your host, Cesar. The first stop will be the small Oaxacan pueblo he lives in.
There, you will enjoy a traditional Zapotec breakfast, which consists of sweet bread and hot chocolate. Next, you’ll venture to a local mezcaleria (mezcal bar) to learn more about the history of mezcal in Oaxaca Mexico.
🌵 Oaxaca Fun Fact: The Zapotecs believed mezcal was a sacred liquid that helped them communicate with the gods.
After the tour and a tasting, you’ll head back to Cesar’s pueblo to enjoy a typical Zapotec lunch. Everything is made with local, fresh ingredients, and you’ll also enjoy handmade tortillas.
If you want an authentic Oaxaca cultural experience away from all the other tourists, this is it.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
9. Mezcal, The Spirit of Oaxaca
⏰ Tour Length: 8 hours | ⭐️ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🥃 Book now
If you want insider access to the whole mezcal process, then the Mezcal, the Spirit of Oaxaca Tour, is an experience you don’t want to miss.
The tour focuses on immersing you in the full process of mezcal production — from visiting agave fields, to taking a tour in a local mezcal palenque, all the way to bottling and tasting the final product.
Do yourself a favor and book this tour! Fernando was the perfect host… [and it’s] a perfect way to spend a day just outside of Oaxaca, and see something beyond the City Center.
—anthony (read more reviews)
The experience starts in the agave fields, where you’ll see both cultivated and wild agaves. The scenery here is beautiful, from the agave fields to the mountains surrounding the small town of Santiago Matatlán Oaxaca.
Next, you’ll head to the first distillery to learn about the four steps of mezcal production. The host will explain how the Four Elements of earth, wind, water and fire blend together to create this culturally and historically rich spirit.
After learning about the mezcal making process, you will taste five hand-selected mezcals in the tasting room. Afterward, you’ll visit a second distillery to enjoy a second tasting and a traditional Oaxacan meal.
This tour provides you with the whole picture from start to finish, and the host works closely with family-owned distilleries that have been creating mezcal for more than 200 years.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
10. Las Bugambilias Mezcal Distillery Tour
⏰ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🥃 Book now
Las Bugambilias Mezcal Distillery Tour will take you to three distilleries in Santiago Matatlán, the World Capital of Mezcal. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional methods of making this spirit.
Unlike many other tours, this one skips the commercial distilleries and instead will take you to family-owned palenques. At these distilleries, you’ll be able to see the whole process of making artisanal mezcal, from start to finish.
You’ll also be able to experience a tasting of some premium mezcals and will have the chance to buy a bottle (or two!) to take home with you — one of the best souvenirs from Oaxaca Mexico.
Along with visiting distilleries, you’ll head to an agave plantation to talk to the farmers who cultivate this unique plant. Then, you’ll visit a family home to learn about pulque (pronounced pull-kay) and try some.
🤔 Wondering, What is pulque? Pulque is an alcoholic beverage made with the fermented sap of the agave plant. It is common in Central Mexico, and has been made since the pre-Columbian era.
At the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy a local Oaxacan food meal in a traditional restaurant in Santiago Matatlán — the perfect end to a great day!
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
11. Real Mezcal Adventure Tour
⏰ Tour Length: 8 hours | ⭐️ Ratings: 4 out of 5 Stars | 👩🍳 Book now
This Real Mezcal Adventure Tour allows you to delve deep into the history and manufacturing process of mezcal.
Throughout the tour, you’ll visit various small towns known for creating some of the best mezcal in Oaxaca Mexico. You’ll stop in the small town Santiago Matatlan, which produces more mezcal than any town in Oaxaca.
The town is home to various producers, ranging from small family palenques (Oaxacan mezcal distilleries) to large-scale operations. Regardless of the size, they all tend to use traditional mezcal methods.
During your time in Santiago Matatlan, you’ll see how mezcal is made, from harvesting to distillation. Then it’s off to Tlacolula to experience more Oaxacan culture and visit the town’s traditional markets.
If you want to visit a range of mezcal producers and sample a wide variety of this distilled spirit in one day, this is the best Oaxacan mezcal tour for you.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
Oaxaca Mezcal Distilleries You Can Visit by Yourself
Santiago Matatlan
Santiago Matatlan Oaxaca has about 140 mezcal distilleries, and produces the most mezcal in the state of Oaxaca.
While there’s an overwhelming amount of distilleries to choose from, many head to El Sabino. This is the distillery behind Mezcal Macurichos, one of the most popular Oaxaca mezcal brands.
There’s also Fabrica de Mezcal Don Tacho, Casa Cortes and Gracias a Dios, which some say is the best mezcal distillery in Oaxaca.
They each offer tours and a mezcal tasting, but some are by appointment only. You’ll want to contact each individual palenque to see how they handle tours.
Santa Catarina Minas
Santa Catarina Minas Oaxaca is located about one hour from Santiago Matatlan.
It is home to Solo Uno, a union of 15 master mezcaleros (mezcal makers) who are keeping the traditional mezcal-making process alive at places like Lalocura, Los Amantes, Real Minero and Palenque el Conejo.
El Rey de Matatlan
Most Mexican mezcal comes from Oaxaca, so there’s a plethora of agave fields, mezcal distilleries and tasting rooms to choose from.
El Rey de Matatlan is one of the most-visited, and has free tours that show the whole farm to table mezcal process. It is located in Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca.
Oaxaca Mezcal: Frequently Asked Questions
Mezcal vs Tequila: What’s the difference?
Mezcal and tequila are both made from the agave plant. Tequila is a type of mezcal, but it’s only made from the Blue Weber agave plant. Mezcal can be made from any type of agave, but it’s always 100% agave, while tequila is 50% agave.
Tequila can only be legally called tequila if it’s produced in Tequila, Mexico (and some surrounding areas).
This is similar to how champagne can only come from the Champagne Valley in France, otherwise it must be labeled “sparkling wine.”
To further clarify, there’s a common saying: All tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequila.
This is the same principle that applies to whiskeys, as all bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons.
Mezcal doesn’t come from a specific region, but it can only be legally produced in nine Mexican states.
These are the states of: Oaxaca, Michoacan, Puebla, Guerrero, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Durango and Sinaloa. However, the state of Oaxaca produces about 80% of the world’s mezcal.
The Consejo Regulador del Mezcal must certify it, otherwise it has to be labeled “distilled agave spirits” or “agave distillate,” but not mezcal.
Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
Mezcal vs Tequila: How are they made?
When it comes to how they’re made, mezcal and tequila differ again. Both involve growing agave for several years, but the traditional mezcal production process is where they differ.
The blue agave piña (agave hearts) for tequila goes through a steaming process in an industrial oven, whereas the piña for mezcal is roasted in a fire pit in the ground.
This time in the underground pit is why mezcal often has a smoky taste.
They then go through a different extraction process, with tequila being largely mass-produced, whereas mezcal is handcrafted.
Each batch of mezcal will be different, even when it’s made by the same producer, whereas tequila has a more uniform taste.
How does mezcal taste?
While mezcal is known for its smoky flavor, that’s only the case for certain types of mezcal from Mexico.
Wondering, Is all mezcal smoky? It’s actually not! One of the most popular and best mezcals in Mexico, 400 Conejos, is only slightly smoky.
Mezcal can also be fruity, floral, citrusy, and even a little spicy. Some mezcals are quite neutral and mild in flavor; it just depends on what type of mezcal you’re drinking and how it’s processed.
Is mezcal stronger than tequila?
Yes — Mezcal is usually quite a bit stronger than tequila, though this isn’t always the case so always check the label. In general, most mezcal alcohol by volume (ABV) is between 48%-55%. By contrast, the average for tequila is usually 40% ABV.
🥃 Looking for a mezcal with low ABV?
Opt for Mezcal Monte Alban Mezcal con Gusano, which is 40% ABV alcohol content. This is one of the most popular mezcals in the United States, and it’s readily available.
Is there a mezcal worm?
No — While you’ll find the infamous tequila worm in most bottles, mezcal does not contain a worm in the bottle.
That same worm is what’s used to make sal de gusano (worm salt), which is traditionally served with mezcal in Mexico.
Where does mezcal come from?
Most of the world’s mezcal comes from Oaxaca, Mexico. In the state, the most commonly-used plant to make Oaxacan mezcal is the espadin agave.
Mezcal can be made from more than 30 different types of agave plants — though the majority of it comes from the tobalá, tobaziche, arroqueño, tepeztate and espadín varieties.
Of those, most mezcal is made from espadin agave. In fact, up to 90% of all Oaxaca mezcal is made from espadín, which grows wild throughout the state of Oaxaca.
Mezcal is produced in nine different Mexican regions; not just Oaxaca.
However, Oaxaca produces more than 90% of all mezcal in Mexico, and it is the state most closely associated with Mexican mezcal.
How long does it take to make mezcal?
The production of mezcal starts with the plant, the agave plant. Baby agave plants are planted and can take around 7-25 years to mature.
Once mature, they are roasted for days (giving way to the spirit’s smokey flavor) before being crushed and fermented. Fermentation can take anywhere between 1-4 weeks.
Once fermentation is done, the mezcal is distilled, which takes 1-4 days depending on if the spirit is distilled once or multiple times. After that, it’s ready to serve!
What’s the best way to enjoy mezcal?
Mezcal is meant to be drunk at room temperature, sipped from a mezcal copita (meaning “little cup”) — not taken as a shot.
You’ll hear people describe sipping mezcal as kissing the glass, which is the best way to enjoy the unique flavors.
In Mexico, mezcal is typically served with oranges and sal de gusano on the site.
This is a salt mixture with chiles and dried larvae from the chinicuil worm. Alternatively, you can also enjoy mezcal in cocktails.
Does mezcal give you a hangover?
Yes — Mezcal can give you a hangover, but only after seriously overindulging.
One of the reasons mezcal is so popular is because this spirit miraculously leaves few with a hangover after imbibing, especially when you’re sipping it straight!
Since mezcal is a pure spirit, it doesn’t have additives as most liquors do.
While it’s rare for drinkers to feel side effects the day after, you probably don’t want to test your limits with mezcal because it’s pretty strong.
Where is mezcal made in Oaxaca?
There are a variety of palenques located across Oaxaca. However, some towns are known for their mezcal, including Santiago Matatlán, Santa Catarina Minas, Sola de Vega and San Pablo Villa de Mitla.
What is a Palenque Mezcal?
Palenque is the word used to describe a Oaxaca mezcal distillery. This is a local term that’s primarily used in the state of Oaxaca.
Many other Mexican states have their own local terms, so this changes depending on where you are. For example, in Northern Mexico, the work fabrica is usually used more than palenque.
Palenquero (pronounced paw-lan-care-ohs) is another word of mezcalero. They both refer to mezcal distiller or mezcal-maker. You will hear both terms used in Oaxaca.
Final Thoughts: Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
We’ve reached the end of a long list of the best mezcal tours in Oaxaca Mexico! Were you able to pick the best mezcal tour Oaxaca has that will fit perfectly into your Oaxaca itinerary?
If not, here are the cliff’s notes to help you finalize your plans:
- 🏆 Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tour (Editor’s Pick): Educational Mezcal Tour with Alvaro
- 💎 Best Private Oaxaca Mezcal Tour: Gastronomy Experience: Culture, Mezcal Tasting & Textiles
- 🌵 Best Tour for Mezcal Aficionados: A Day in the Life Mezcal Tour with Alvin
- 🍽 Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tour for Foodies: Mezcal and Mole with a Certified Sommelier
- 👩🏫 Best Educational Oaxaca Mezcal Tour: The Last Ancestral Mezcal in Oaxaca with Armando