Fast delivery
Get in as fast as 1 hour
It’s all local
Shop your favorites
Direct chat
Connect with shoppers
Mezcal Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to mezcal
Unlike many other spirits, mezcal isn't made from distilled grain. Instead, this liquor comes from agave — specifically, the fermented, slow-roasted piña, or agave core. Hundreds of agave species grow worldwide, and distillers can turn dozens of different types of agave into mezcal.
About mezcal
Any liquor that boasts a mezcal label must be made in one of nine Mexican states. The vast majority of mezcal comes from Oaxaca, a powerhouse state for agave production.
While many mezcal lovers describe this spirit as “smoky,” in reality, its flavor profiles span a wide spectrum. After all, mezcal can come from about 50 different agave species, and most use wild yeast for fermentation. As a result, each type has its own unique flavor notes. Some do have a smoky character, while others are more mellow.
Types of mezcal
The Consejo Regulador del Mezcal, which oversees production and labeling, defines 3 types of mezcal:
- Mezcal: The most contemporary type, standard mezcal can use cutting-edge production equipment. For example, producers can roast the agave piñas in autoclaves, ferment them in stainless steel containers, and distill them in continuous column stills.
- Mezcal Ancestral: As its name suggests, this variety uses traditional processes. For example, producers must roast the piñas in pit ovens and ferment the roasted agave in stone or wooden tanks. Distillation must take place in clay pots rather than metal vessels.
- Mezcal Artesanal: Although this type of mezcal must follow general guidelines for cooking, fermentation, and distillation, the options vary. In addition, producers can use a greater range of heat sources like steam or hot rocks for the roasting process.
Mezcal shopping tips
With so many different options to choose from, shopping for mezcal can be overwhelming, especially if you aren't quite sure what you're looking for. Use these shopping tips to choose a mezcal you'll enjoy:
- Start with the most common type of mezcal. When in doubt, choose a bottle of Espadín, the most popular kind of mezcal. Although you'll find this variety of agave in the vast majority of mezcal bottles, each one has different flavor notes that express its area of origin.
- Get creative with a wild-grown variety. Several types of mezcal, including Tobalá and Tipizate, come from wild-harvested agave, some of which have matured for 20 or 30 years. These mezcal varieties tend to have more intense flavors ranging from fruity to floral, and they're usually more expensive than the more common Espadín.
- Treat yourself to a rare bottle. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or you want to try some more unusual types, consider varieties like Tobaziche and Arroqueño. The flavor notes of these mezcals might surprise you, as they can range from herbaceous to chocolatey.
Mezcal Near Me
Buy your favorite Mezcal online with Instacart. Order Mezcal from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.