Reviews / Best mezcal

The best mezcal, at every price

The highest-scoring bottle we've reviewed at each price, from an everyday pour to a special-occasion bottle. Every one has a US price we've actually seen, and links to its full review.

Under $30: Mestiza Negra Espadin (4.5/5, $26): The $20 house pour; stock it
$30–40: Legendario Domingo Oaxaca Espadin (4.0/5, $36): The daily pour the category needs. Reliable 48% everyday espadín
$40–50: Legendario Domingo San Luis Potosí (4.5/5, $47): SLP verde that repays attention. Peak Legendario Domingo
$50–65: Mayalen Guerrero (4.5/5, $50): A shelf staple. A reference Guerrero cupreata
$65–85: Carreño Espadin (5.0/5, $70): Top-shelf espadín. Buy on sight
$85–110: Sabelotodo Largo / Espadin (5.0/5, $101): Worth taking. Largo at this craft level is rare
$110–140: Bozal Cempasúchil (5.0/5, $130): A category surprise. Don't overlook it
$140–185: Rezpiral Tepeztate, Tobaziche, Espadin, Mexicano, Tobala (5.0/5, $150): A committee format with a single voice. You don't find this combination distilled by one hand twice
$185–240: Pal'alma Sonora (5.0/5, $185): A 5.0 from off the map. Among the rarest bottles worth chasing
$240+: Caballito Cerrero "Unicorn" Chato (5.0/5, $249): An heirloom almost no one bottles. Find it however you can

Looking for something specific?

Scores come from the same five-agave rubric as every review; prices are current averages across the US retailers we track. The full method lives in The State of Mezcal.