5 Smoky Mezcals Under $100 To Try

If you’re an avid tequila drinker and haven’t branched out to mezcal, you’re completely missing out.

Like tequila, mezcal is a Mexican-made spirit crafted from agave. And while the two spirits are similar, there are a lot of differences as well. The spirit must be made from Blue Weber agave to be considered a tequila. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from more than forty different agaves. The most common are Espadin, Tobala, Tepeztate, and Cupreata.

There are other differences as well (including geography), but the thing that sets the two spirits apart flavor-wise is the fact that while the agave piñas (or hearts) used to make tequila are roasted in stone or brick ovens, traditionally mezcal is made using agave piñas that are roasted in conical pits dug into the ground. This technique gives mezcal its patented smoky aroma and flavor.

Now that you learned a little bit about the differences between the two spirits, it’s time to find some to drink. Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite smoky mezcals. As a bonus, they’re all under $100 so you won’t break the bank when you purchase them.

Lobos 1707 Mezcal

This award-winning mezcal is made from 100% Espadín agave. It’s roasted the traditional way in open, conical Oaxacan fire pits, and crushed using an Egyptian stone mill. After distillation, your taste buds are met with a complex, memorable mezcal loaded with flavors like roasted agave, vanilla, spices, and enveloping smoke.

Los Siete Misterios Doba Yej Mezcal

Produced in the region of Sola de Vega in Oaxaca, this iconic mezcal is made with Angustifolia Haw agave that’s baked in underground pits, crushed using the traditional Chilean Tahona, naturally fermented, and distilled in copper pot stills as well as clay pots. The result is a sublime, sippable mezcal with notes of roasted agave, cracked black pepper, vanilla, and gentle smoke.

Mezcal Vago Elote

If you’re looking for a unique, smoky mezcal, look no further than Mezcal Vago Elote. It gets its name because, between the second distillation, the folks at Mezcal Vago infuse the spirit with roasted corn before a third distillation. The result is a memorable, sweet mezcal filled with flavors like roasted agave, sweet corn, vanilla, honey, spices, and rich, sweet smoke.

Bosscal Joven Mezcal

Produced by a fourth-generation Mezcalero, Bosscal Joven Mezcal is made using traditional methods. Made with wild-grown agave, this unique expression is known for its nose of citrus peels, roasted agave, vanilla beans, and gentle campfire smoke. The palate is a mix of sweet, vegetal agave, tangerine, white pepper, vanilla, and even richer, memorable smoke. It’s sweet, smoky, and leaves you craving more.

Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

One of the more popular mezcals for cocktail, Del Maguey offers a balanced smokiness with hints of fruit and earth.

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