The Best Mezcal Tasting Review: The Perfect "Crash Course"
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Walking into a mezcalería can be intimidating. There are hundreds of bottles, confusing labels, and prices that range from $5 to $50 a glass. This 2-hour educational tasting is designed to fix that. Think of it as "Mezcal University" — enjoyable, affordable, and right in the city center.
📋 Quick Summary
- Best for: Beginners and travelers short on time
- Duration: 2 hours (Evening slots available)
- Group size: Up to 10 (Small group)
- Price: $35 per person
- Highlights: Taste 5+ mezcals, learn label reading, snack pairing
Pros & Cons: Our Honest Take
What We Loved
- ✓ Zero travel time: It's right in Centro Histórico
- ✓ No pressure to buy (unlike some distillery tours)
- ✓ You'll actually learn what "Espadín" vs "Tobalá" means
- ✓ Extremely affordable ($35 USD)
Drawbacks
- ✗ No distillery visit (it's a tasting room)
- ✗ Snacks only, not a full meal
What You Will Taste
Your hosts, Fernando and Maryori, are industry veterans who have curated a lineup of 5 distinct mezcals to show the range of the spirit.
- The Varietals: You'll typically taste Espadín (the standard), Tepextate (spicy/wild), Tobalá (floral/rare), Cuish (herbal), and Coyote.
- The Pairings: This isn't just booze. It's paired with:
- Fresh orange slices
- Sal de gusano (agave worm salt)
- Sal de chapulín (grasshopper salt)
- Regional Oaxacan cheese
By the end, you'll understand the difference between wild and cultivated agaves, and why that matters for the price and flavor.
Who Should Book This?
Book this for your first evening in Oaxaca. The knowledge you gain here (how to sip, how to read a label, what flavors to look for) will enhance every single drink you have for the rest of your trip.
It's also the perfect "filler" activity if you have a free slot before dinner.
Final Verdict
Best Education Value
For $35, this is a steal. You get to taste premium mezcals that would cost $15-20/glass in a bar, plus you get a professional education. It's the smartest investment you can make for your palate.
Book Class ($35)Free cancellation up to 24 hours
AboutDiego Garcia
Senior Mezcal Reviewer & Industry Expert
Mezcal specialist with 15 years of experience in the Oaxacan spirits industry. Dedicated to preserving traditional production methods.
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