Agave species
Tequila uses blue agave. Mezcal uses espadín, tobalá, tepeztate, arroqueño and more, each with its own shape in the glass.
Agave · Oaxaca · Jalisco
Mezcal
& tequila
Thirty-plus
agave spirits
The agave list
All of them listed by origin and price on our origins map, from Oaxaca and Jalisco to Durango, Zacatecas and Guerrero. Here is how to read the list.
What makes mezcal different
Tequila is made from blue agave and usually distilled in copper stills. Mezcal can come from many agave species and is roasted in earth ovens, which is where the smoke comes from. Both come from Mexico, both are agave, and they taste nothing alike.
Roasted or steamed
Mezcal agave is roasted in underground pits, which gives the smoke. Tequila agave is steamed, so it stays brighter and cleaner.
Origin
Mezcal comes from Oaxaca, Durango, San Luis Potosí, Guerrero and other states. Tequila comes mostly from Jalisco.
How we pour it
Neat, at room temperature, in a small glass. First the nose, then a small sip, then the same glass again a minute later: agave opens up as it warms. If you like it sharp, ask for one from the coast; if you like it round, ask for something aged.
Nose it first
Smoke, citrus, wet stone or banana, depending on the agave and the village.
Small sip, no ice
Room temperature shows more than a cold glass ever will.
Come back to it
The same glass changes in five minutes. That is the fun part.
What is on the list
Tequila blanco, reposado, añejo and extra añejo, mezcal from nine regions, plus raicilla and sotol. Every pour is 35 ml and priced per glass.
60Agave spirits
9Regions
€ 6,00From