The Best Cheap Mezcal You Can Buy Under $50

It’s ironic that a storied spirit such as mezcal has only recently resurged in the craft cocktail scene when the truth of the matter is, the liquor’s been around for centuries. In fact, the production of mezcal predates tequila. This phenomenon naturally begs the question: Why aren’t more drinkers enjoying the spirit? This answer, at least partially, has to do with supply. The other part has to do with its production and resulting profile. Mezcal, for one, takes a bit longer to make than tequila. It’s also the result of a more involved and traditional method which results in the absence of large unruly distilleries saturating the market (a good thing nonetheless). Additionally, we find the peaty and smoky nature of the spirit can be a turn-off for those who favor the sweeter and smoother side of life. All this in mind, it would behoove you to brush up on your mezcal knowledge – possibly keeping a bottle or two handy at the home bar.

From here, we’ve gone ahead and pulled our resources to develop this list of mezcals that meet at the corner of quality and affordability. Especially if you plan on mixing up some mezcal-infused cocktails this summer, those at a lower price point are a fantastic way to kick things off. It’s also here where we find an absence of gimmicky worms or other kitschy branding efforts to distract from what lies inside the bottle. Instead, we have a handful of delicious mezcal that won’t break the bank but certainly get you turned on to the magic of the Mexican spirit.

Is Mezcal the Same As Tequila?

Not quite. Think of tequila as a subset of mezcal, although somewhat different. While both are made from agave, tequila production must abide by much more stringent standards of regulation. For one, it must be made in the town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico. Conversely, mezcal can come from one of nine Mexican states, even though it’s most commonly produced in Oaxaca (like bourbon and Kentucky). Also, tequila must come from the Blue Weber variety of agave, while mezcal can come from any of the 40-odd types of the plant.

Is Mezcal Naturally Smoky?

The smokiness of mezcal doesn’t have to do with the plant it comes from but the way it’s made. Tequila isn’t smoky because the emphasis is on the agave itself. The agave hearts, or piñas, are thus baked in an oven prior to distillation, with a lot of the craft coming through the distillation and aging. Whereas with mezcal, the piñas are fire-roasted in either a stone or brick pit that’s been covered with plant leaves to preserve the smoke inside. Thus, the beauty of the spirit is in the relationship and balance between the agave and the elements used to prepare it.

Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

Best for Cocktails: Straight from the mezcal motherland – Oaxaca – this organic spirit from Del Maguey is a fantastic offering at an introductory price point. Vida is a relatively new mezcal as well – launched in 2010 but already in high demand at craft cocktail bars across the U.S. Each batch is also twice distilled in small wood-fired riverside copper stills and offers up fruity aromatics on the nose along with hints of ginger, cinnamon, burnt sandalwood and citrus on the palate.

Sombra Mezcal

Best for Smoke Lovers: If you’re into mezcal’s stereotypical smokiness, Sombra is your best bet. With just two ingredients, organic espadin agave and wild yeast, this spirit has been handmade using traditional methods, which include roasting the agave inside of stone-lined conical pits called palenque. Inside, the oak burns to create a beautiful smoke that’s kept inside with banana leaves on top. That very oak smoke hits your nose instantly, with grapefruit and lemon peel rounding out the aromas. Those give way to more smoke on the palate, along with salt, lemon, white sugar, and apple, before giving you cinnamon and smoked mango on the finish. Sure, it’ll be great in cocktails, but we recommend drinking it straight.

Los Siete Misterios Doba Yej

Best for Whisky Lovers: Peated Scotch and mezcal are not terribly different (okay, maybe a bit), but this joven mezcal from Los Siete Misterios just may be the missing link. On the nose, it hits with wood smoke and caramel, although it evolves on the palate with herbal and floral notes, rounded out with brown sugar, allspice, and some definite smoke before giving way to a finish filled with baking spices. However, much like a great budget Scotch whisky, the Doba Yej is meant to be savored, perhaps in a Glencairn, and punches way above its price tag.

Ilegal Mezcal Joven

Best Mellow Mezcal: One of the great small-batch Mezcals out there, Ilegal offers something of a fine introductory spirit for those who are still a bit new to the scene. This isn’t, however, to say Ilegal is a sub-par brand. Instead, their offerings tend to be on the mellower side and not as harsh as others. The joven (un-aged) offers a full-body agave flavor complete with mineral and eucalyptus aromas that warm up the senses with notes of fresh citrus, green apple, and red chiltepe. Perfect for cocktails or simply sipping on its own.

Mezcal Vago Elote

Best Overall: Nothing beats traditional methods. Especially when it comes to something like mezcal. That’s why Mezcal Vago Elote is so special – because it’s made in Oaxaca by a farmer who produces everything on his land in Candelaria Yegolé. The base here is single distilled mezcal espadín which is then infused with corn between the second and third distillation. The result is a lovely mouthfeel complete with aromas of Mexican corn and toasted nuts while a palate alluding to layers of honeycomb, green tropical fruit, and smoke make this one unforgettable expression for the taking.

The Complete Guide to Tequila Styles

To learn more about mezcal’s closest relative, head over to our ultimate guide to tequila styles, where we break down everything about the spirit.