Top Mezcal Brands: Sip Into Agave Nirvana

In recent years, Mezcal has captured the attention of spirit enthusiasts seeking authentic and bold flavors that reflect true Mexican craftsmanship. As the popularity of this smoky and complex agave-based spirit continues to rise, several brands have distinguished themselves through their dedication to traditional production methods and exceptional quality. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, exploring the offerings of these top mezcal brands promises a delightful journey into the heart of Oaxacan culture. Join us below as we explore some of the best brands that are stealing the spotlight in the mezcal scene.

Illustration of mezcal

Best brands of mezcal in 2025

Del Maguey

Del Maguey is renowned as one of the premier producers of mezcal, introducing artisanal mezcal to the global market since 1995. Their mezcals are hand-crafted by individual Zapotec and Mixtec farmer-families, highlighting the rich, sweet, and smoky characteristics of ancestral villages. Del Maguey mezcals are made from 100% mature agave, primarily the Espadin agave, and are produced using traditional methods such as grinding cooked agaves by hand or with a horse wheel, followed by double distillation. Around 95% of all mezcal produced in Mexico is of the artisanal variety, and Del Maguey is a significant contributor to this category. The brand's commitment to tradition and quality has earned it accolades, including recognition from the New York Times as offering some of the best mezcals in the world.

El Jolgorio

El Jolgorio is a boutique mezcal brand owned by the Cortes family, renowned for its diverse range of wild-harvested varietals, including eight distinct types plus a Pechuga, all produced by seven different Oaxacan master distillers across five palenques. The brand is committed to sustainability, ensuring that the production does not exceed the natural regeneration of the wild agave, with an estimated annual output of only 800 to 2,000 bottles per varietal. Founded in 2010, El Jolgorio represents sixteen different families working in ten regions of Oaxaca, Mexico, each contributing to the unique character of the mezcals. The brand is known for its limited and rare releases, often packaged in black bottles to signify their exclusivity. With a focus on preserving Oaxacan culture and the longevity of indigenous maguey varietals, El Jolgorio stands out as a premium and artisanal mezcal producer. For more information, explore their story through their boutique mezcal insights.

Ilegal Mezcal

Ilegal Mezcal is a leading artisanal mezcal brand, renowned for its smooth and ultra-premium quality, made from 100% espadin agave sourced near Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca, Mexico. The brand is certified Artesanal by the CRM and offers aged expressions such as Ilegal Reposado and Ilegal Anejo. With an estimated annual revenue of $7.5 million and a team of 66 employees, Ilegal Mezcal has established itself as a significant player in the mezcal market. The brand's history is rooted in adventure, with its name deriving from the owner's past trips smuggling mezcal from Mexico to Guatemala. Ilegal Mezcal is part of a growing market, with the global mezcal market projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.6% from 2024 to 2031. For more information, visit the Ilegal Mezcal website.

Montelobos

Montelobos is a renowned producer of high-quality mezcal, founded by Ivan Saldana, an agave specialist and biochemist, and Don Abel Lopez, a fifth-generation mezcalero. The brand is known for its artisanal production methods, using 100% organic Espadin agave, which is roasted in traditional fire pits and crushed by mule before fermentation and double distillation in copper stills. Montelobos Mezcal Joven, made entirely from Espadin agave, was awarded a gold medal at the 2019 Tequila and Mezcal Masters. The brand follows sustainable production methods, including the use of wood from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sources. Montelobos mezcals are bottled in small batches at 43.2% ABV, emphasizing the quality of the agave. Discover more about Montelobos Mezcal Joven.

Pierde Almas

Pierde Almas is a renowned producer of artisanal mezcal, capturing the essence of Oaxaca's tradition with its handcrafted products. The brand, founded by artist Jonathan Barbieri and now part of the Diageo portfolio since 2018, is known for its commitment to sustainability through the Wild Agave Reforestation Program. Their mezcals, such as the Espadin, are distilled to around 49% ABV and feature complex profiles of smoke, pepper, and subtle chocolate. The brand uses 100% naturally fermented agave and produces small-batch mezcals, including variants like Tobaziche and Dobadaan, which range between 50% and 53% ABV. Pierde Almas is celebrated for its social, cultural, and environmental awareness. For more information, you can visit their official Diageo brand page.

Bozal

Bozal Mezcal is renowned for its artisanal and traditionally crafted mezcals, utilizing a 200-year-old process that includes cooking agave hearts in earthen pit ovens and crushing them with a stone tahona wheel. The brand features over 30 unique mezcals made from 15 wild varieties of agave indigenous to Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Durango, with a notable increase of 16% in year-to-date national shipments as of July 2023. Bozal's production involves small craft batches, with a daily maximum capacity of 60 liters per clay pot, and a commitment to sustainability by planting two magueys for every one harvested. Their mezcals are distilled using ancestral methods, including the use of clay pot distillation, and are known for their complex, layered flavors. Bozal's Cempasuchil Reserva Mezcal, infused with marigolds, is a standout example of their innovative and traditional approach.

Alipus

Alipus is a renowned brand in the mezcal industry, known for its artisanal and traditional production methods. Founded in 1999 as a project of Destileria Los Danzantes, Alipus works with multiple family distilleries in Oaxaca, utilizing techniques such as wood-roasting agaves in palenques, slow stone-milling, and double-distillation in small wood-fired copper potstills or clay potstills. The brand is celebrated for its diverse range of mezcals, including the highly acclaimed Alipus San Luis del Rio, which was named "Best Overall Mezcal" by Saveur Magazine. Around 95% of Alipus mezcals are produced in the state of Oaxaca, aligning with the traditional and artisanal nature of mezcal production. Alipus mezcals are often characterized by their intense and nuanced flavor profiles, reflecting the unique terroir and production methods of each region. For more information about Alipus and their mezcal selection, visit their official page.

Mezcal Amores

Mezcal Amores is a renowned brand that stays true to the traditional roots of mezcal production, sourcing high-quality mezcal from villages across nine regions in Mexico, with a significant focus on Oaxaca where 90.5% of mezcal is produced. The brand works closely with Maestros Mezcaleros to produce unique and award-winning flavors, having won several gold medals in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Mezcal Amores is known for its smooth and smoky profile, utilizing a variety of agave types, with Espadin being the most common at 86.31% of total production. Despite the overall decrease in mezcal production in 2023, Mezcal Amores continues to thrive, particularly in international markets where demand has increased by 36% compared to 2021. The brand's commitment to artisanal production methods aligns with the growing consumer interest in authentic and high-quality spirits. For more details on Mezcal Amores, visit their official page.

Los Amantes

Los Amantes is a distinguished mezcal brand, produced in Tlocolula, Oaxaca, and recognized for its high-quality mezcals. The brand is associated with Maestro Mezcalero Eric Hernandez and bears the NOM 001X certification. Los Amantes mezcals are made from 100% agave Espadin, baked in traditional hornos and milled by tahona, reflecting the traditional methods of mezcal production. The Reposado variant is aged in French oak barrels for six to eight months, offering a rich flavor profile. As part of the broader mezcal industry, Los Amantes contributes to the significant production numbers, with Oaxaca leading the production at 90.5% in 2023. For more details, visit their official website.

Rey Campero

Rey Campero is a renowned Mexican brand that excels in producing high-quality, artisanal mezcal, led by maestro mezcalero Romulo Sanchez Parada in Candelaria Yegole, Oaxaca. The brand is committed to sustainable production, planting new maguey plants for each one harvested, and supports local producers by creating job opportunities and finding markets for their mezcal. Rey Campero mezcals are made from various agave varieties, including Tobala, Tepextate, and Mexicano, and are distilled using traditional methods such as underground roasting and double distillation in copper pots. Their mezcals often have distinct flavor profiles, such as the Tobala mezcal with notes of damp earth, lime, and cracked pepper at 48.5% ABV. The brand's dedication to preserving traditional techniques and supporting local communities makes it a standout in the mezcal industry. For more information, explore their offerings on the Rey Campero Mexicano page.