I’ve introduced mezcal to hundreds of people who had never tasted it before. What I’ve learned is that you have to choose the right mezcal or they won't like it. And they will never try it again.

In this article, I'll help you navigate some of the basics of mezcal and help you avoid picking one that will literally leave a bad taste in your mouth. You'll learn the best variety to choose for beginners, how the most affordable brands are made, and how much you should expect to pay. Finally, I’ll give you three good mezcal suggestions for beginners that cost under $50 USD.

Is All Mezcal Smoky?

If you're new to the mezcal scene, don't worry - there's a variety of options out there that will get you started without overwhelming your taste buds. Yes, mezcal can have an intense smoky flavor but if you pick the right brand and expression, it can be light and sweet with just a hint of smoke. Let's take a look at how mezcal is made so you can be knowledgeable when you pick up a bottle and read what's on the label.

How is an Affordable Mezcal Made?

Mezcal is made by roasting the hearts of the agave plant in a stone pit underground. The hearts are often called piñas because they look like big pineapples. The producers, called mezcaleros (or mezcaleras if they’re women) crush and ferment the roasted agave using a big stone wheel to yield a sweet mash that is later distilled. The type of still used (copper or clay) can have an impact on the smoothness and flavor. After two or three distillation processes, the mezcal is bottled. No aging needed!

To keep the cost of mezcal low, producers will often use some automation in place of the manual work of crushing the roasted agaves. But, for the most part, even the least expensive mezcals are made largely by hand. What keeps the cost low, is using a highly available type of agave that doesn't need a ton of time to grow. That agave is called Espadin.

Is Agave Espadin Good For Beginners?

When it comes to hunting down the perfect mezcal, you have know what you’re looking for. Mezcal can be made from tens of different agave species and there are hundreds of brands out there. To keep it simple, look for mezcal made from Agave Espadin. Agave Espadin has a mild flavor, is a little sweeter and depending on the production method, is usually only lightly smokey. Another great feature of Espadin is that it's normally one of the less expensive varietals because the harvest cycle isn't 15+ years like some other species of agave. It should be harvested in the 8-10 year range, but many companies will harvest it at a much younger age to turn a profit faster.

What is Mezcal Joven?

When reading the label of a mezcal bottle, look for the word Joven somewhere on the label. Joven is spanish for the word "young". This refers to the fact that the mezcal is immediately bottled in glass and not aged in any container that might alter the flavor in any way. This process is all about celebrating the flavor of the agave in its purest form, bottled straight from the still.

What is the Alcohol Content of Mezcal?

Mezcal gets a bad rap because, historically, it's known as that nasty, firey shot that has a worm in the bottle. Unfortunately, the industry is still trying to recover from that branding nightmare. But, because it has such an aggressive taste, it's often thought to be high in alcohol content. The truth is that most of the better mezcals are high in alcohol content.

Traditionally, mezcal has an alcohol content between 40-55% ABV (alcohol by volume). That's quite a large range! So when you're out looking for a bottle of mezcal, look for something in the lower 40% for alcohol content. That will make for a smoother introduction to your pallet and a finish that doesn't leave you gasping for air!

What Is The Best Way to Drink Mezcal?

The best way to drink mezcal is to sip it slowly and savor the flavor. But I don't always recommend this for a beginner. One of the best ways to introduce a newbie to mezcal is through a mixed drink or a mezcal cocktail. I recommend trying a mezcal margarita or a mezcal paloma first. If there is continued interest in sampling more affordable mezcals from there, you can try to sip the mezcal using a shot glass. I do not recommend slamming a shot of mezcal though! You won't appreciate the flavors, you'll get drunk really fast and if I can get a little emotional on you for a second...I think it's disrespectful to the producers of mezcal who make this stuff mostly by hand.

How Much Should You Spend on a Bottle of Mezcal?

While there are many excellent mezcal brands on the market that would be great for a new mezcal drinker to try, this article is about inexpensive mezcal. Because mezcal has such a manual production process, it's definitely not cheap. So the more inexpensive mezcals tend to be made using a little bit more automation. In terms of price, we're talkin' anywhere from $30 USD for a decent bottle to well over $200 USD for some of the more artesanal and ancestral expressions. Of course, you get what you pay for - quality can range from smooth and sweet to smoky and sophisticated - so it pays (literally) to know what you want out of your mezcal experience before laying down some serious cash on a bottle. If you're just getting started, stick with something in the low-to-mid-range and work your way up as your tastes evolve.

Our 3 Best Inexpensive Mezcal Recommendations for Beginners

Now that you know the basics of what to look for when it comes to inexpensive mezcal for beginners, it's time to go out and discover a spirit that has been cherished by people in Mexico for centuries. The brands and expressions below represent our opinion on some great entry-level, inexpensive mezcals that are light, fruity and sweet, with just a hint of smoke. And they won't break the bank!

400 Conejos Espadin

Maestro mezcalero Don Tacho produces the 400 Conejos Espadin Joven in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca. Don Tacho chooses the agave Espadin only after it has matured for 8-10 years, with great care. The production process of this mezcal involves a stone oven, horse-drawn tahona, and copper distillation, following traditional methods.

You can find this inexpensive mezcal below $30 USD in the US and it's widely available in bars as a mixer for cocktails. The ABV of this mezcal is 38% in Mexico and 40% in the United States.

Learn more here: https://www.oldtowntequila.com/400-conejos-espadin-mezcal-artesanal-750ml/

Rosaluna Espadin

Rosaluna is a mezcal that I usually have on hand in my home bar. I keep several bottles. This affordable mezcal has a bright and complex flavor profile with notes of citrus and tropical fruits, a smooth finish, and a subtle hint of agave smoke. It's perfect for a beginner and typically comes in at around $40 USD.

Learn more here: https://www.oldtowntequila.com/rosaluna-mezcal-joven-espadin-750ml/

Xicaru Silver

Xicaru translates to beautiful in the Zapotec language. Xicaru Silver is an unaged mezcal crafted from agave Espadin that has is a little more earthy and less sweet. It has an ABV of 40.5%. The mezcalero Fernando Santibañez produces Xicaru in Matatlán, Oaxaca, using his grandmother's recipe. He uses a stone oven to cook mesquite and ocote woods, which are native to Oaxaca. If you want a lightly smoked, straightforward mezcal, this is the one. And it comes in fairly affordable typically in the range of $40 USD.

Learn more here: https://www.oldtowntequila.com/xicaru-silver-mezcal/

Embarking on Your Mezcal Journey

Now that you've read about some of the best inexpensive mezcals for beginners, it's time to embark on your own mezcal journey. There are a plethora of interesting and complex flavors out there waiting to be discovered, from light and fruity expressions to smoky and sophisticated ones. With a little knowledge and experimentation, you'll soon find the perfect bottle for you. Whether you're new to mezcal or an experienced enthusiast, these three brands provide great options for expanding your palate without breaking the bank.