Recently, mezcal has moved from the fringes of the spirits world into the limelight, earning a dedicated following among bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts, and spirit connoisseurs alike. Once overshadowed by its cousin, tequila, mezcal has made a name for itself through its diverse flavor profiles and artisanal production methods. Distilled primarily from the Espadin agave, though many varieties use wild agaves like Tepeztate or Tobala, mezcal offers a broad range of flavors—from intensely smoky and earthy to delicate and floral. 

This surge in mezcal’s popularity has coincided with a growing appreciation for craft spirits and sustainability. Small-batch producers, traditional methods, and the rich cultural heritage surrounding mezcal have captivated bartenders, who recognize the spirit’s versatility in both cocktails and neat servings. Mezcal’s trendiness is also fueled by consumer interest in authenticity and traceability, as each bottle often tells the story of the village or producer behind it.

Source: Reyes del Barril 

Given the expanding role of mezcal in bars worldwide, the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards highlighted some of the best offerings available. These top 15 winners showcase Mezcal’s diversity, quality, and potential in the modern bar. Each mezcal reflects the evolving trends in the industry—from heritage-driven, small-batch creations to those crafted by well-established producers pushing the boundaries of innovation. Let’s dive into the top 15 winners that have captured the attention of bartenders and mezcal enthusiasts alike. 

Top 15 Winners of the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards (Mezcal Category)

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Del Maguey Vida Clásico – Double Gold Medal, 94 Points

Producer: Pernod Ricard USA

Image: Del Maguey Vida Clásico

Overview: Del Maguey Vida Clásico continues to lead mezcal’s modern renaissance with its fruit notes, a rich blend of spices, and a clean, approachable smokiness. The judges noted cherry blossoms and pitted fruit on the nose with nice mineral content. Soft, with a touch of peat and mild fruit notes like papaya, and chocolate bitterness on the end. This versatile mezcal has become a favorite in craft cocktails due to its depth and balance. 

Del Maguey Chichicapa Single Village Mezcal – Gold Medal, 94 Points

Producer: Pernod Ricard USA

Image: Del Maguey Chichicapa Single Village Mezcal

Overview: This single-village mezcal comes from Chichicapa and delivers an authentic agave experience with earthy, herbaceous flavors that capture the raw essence of its Oaxacan roots. “Agave is really shining here,” said the judges. “Nice life on the palate, complex and interesting with a lingering flavor.” It's perfect for sipping and gives bartenders a complex spirit to work with.

Mezcal 33 Joven Artesanal Espadin – Gold Medal, 94 Points

Producer: Casa Oaxaca 1934

Image: Mezcal 33 Joven Artesanal Espadin

Overview: A vibrant, artisanal mezcal crafted from Espadin agave, Mezcal 33 Joven boasts citrus-forward notes and minerality. It shines in cocktails, offering a clean finish that enhances its role as a base spirit in innovative drinks.

Hedonistas de la Fe Tepeztate – Gold Medal, 94 Points

Producer: Hedonistas de la Fe

Image: Hedonistas de la Fe Tepeztate

Overview: A standout for bartenders looking to experiment with clean flavors. The judges noted that his mezcal is “almost reminiscent of a well-made sake. It's clean and bright with plum-like quality and rice. It's fruity on the palate but well balanced.”

Ojo de Tigre – Gold Medal, 93 Points

Producer: Pernod Ricard USA

Image: Ojo de Tigre

Overview: Ojo de Tigre strikes a balance between smokiness and fresh fruit, making it an accessible choice for both mezcal enthusiasts and newcomers. The judges said the “nose is nice and smokey with some ceramics-like quality. Palate is a bit of peat, with petrol, and clay earthiness.” This mezcal’s versatility works well in refreshing, citrus-driven cocktails or as a neat pour.

Creyente Espadin – Gold Medal, 93 Points

Producer: Creyente

Image: Creyente Espadin

Overview: This rich mezcal showcases smooth agave notes with caramel undertones and light smokiness, making it a fantastic introduction to mezcal for those unfamiliar with the spirit. It boasts a bright nose with hints of cucumber and salt. Clean on the palate with pleasing vegetal notes and a similar finish. It’s equally enjoyable neat or in a crafted cocktail.

Creyente Tobala – Gold Medal, 93 Points

Producer: Creyente

Image: Creyente Tobala

Overview: Made from the wild Tobala agave, this mezcal offers an exotic and intense flavor profile with pronounced fruit and spice notes with a lingering smokiness. Its complexity makes it a mezcal to savor and also provides bartenders with a luxurious ingredient for top-shelf cocktails.

Cocijo Mezcal Joven – Gold Medal, 92 Points

Producer: V & G Imports, LLC

Image: Cocijo Mezcal Joven

Overview: This joven mezcal offers bright, zesty flavors and a delicate smokiness, making it perfect for cocktail creation. It’s ideal for mezcal margaritas or any mixed drink that calls for a crisp, clean spirit.

Hedonistas de la Fe Tobala – Gold Medal, 92 Points

Producer: Hedonistas de la Fe

Image: Hedonistas de la Fe Tobala

Overview: Featuring wild Tobala agave, this mezcal presents a beautifully perfumed nose that is “floral and inviting,” said the judges. “Rich lovely complexity on the palate with earthy flavors mixing with tobacco, and dark chocolate. A touch of cayenne pepper on the finish.” Tobala mezcals are sought after for their bold character, and this one is no exception. It’s a great choice for bartenders looking to elevate their mezcal offerings.

400 Conejos Mezcal – Silver Medal, 88 Points

Producer: 400 Conejos

Image: 400 Conejos Mezcal

Overview: Known for its approachable flavor profile, 400 Conejos offers a light smokiness and a hint of sweetness. It’s a mezcal well-suited for beginners, particularly in simple cocktails or mixed drinks where balance is key.

Del Maguey Vida Puebla – Silver Medal, 87 Points

Producer: Pernod Ricard USA

Image: Del Maguey Vida Puebla

Overview: With earthier and more herbaceous tones than its Clásico counterpart, Del Maguey Vida Puebla offers bartenders a distinctive mezcal to use in more complex drinks that require a grounded, agave-forward spirit. The judges described a soft billowing smoke on the initial palate with notes of cooked apple, agave, seaweed, and fruit cake. “Spicy, lean, bright, and energetic finish of pine charcoal flavor.”

Doce Mezcal – Silver Medal, 87 Points

Producer: Doce Mezcal

Image: Doce Mezcal

Overview: This mezcal has a clean, straightforward flavor profile with light smoke and citrus. Its smoothness makes it ideal for cocktail creation, where it can blend seamlessly without overpowering other ingredients.

Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM Mezcal – Silver Medal, 87 Points

Producer: Destiladora del Valle de Tequila S.A. de CV

Image: Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM Mezcal

Overview: A crisp mezcal with bright agave notes and a dry finish, Casa Maestri offers a refreshing option for bartenders seeking a mezcal that stands out in lighter, refreshing drinks.

Hedonistas de la Fe Espadin – Silver Medal, 85 Points

Producer: Hedonistas de la Fe

Image: Hedonistas de la Fe Espadin

Overview: Subtle and refined, this Espadin mezcal offers just the right balance of smoke and fruit. It’s well-suited for drinkers who prefer a more restrained mezcal experience and for bartenders looking to add a nuanced, but accessible option to their lineup.

Ojo de Dios Joven Mezcal – Silver Medal, 84 Points

Producer: Ojo de Dios

Image: Ojo de Dios Joven Mezcal

Overview: With its vibrant agave flavors and moderate smoke, Ojo de Dios Joven Mezcal brings freshness and energy to cocktails. It’s a young mezcal that lends itself well to bright, citrus-heavy drinks like mezcalitas or mezcal mojitos. The judges said that “black currant shows up and follows through on the palate with subtle smoke” in the finish. 

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Why Bartenders Should Take Notice

The mezcal winners of the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards showcase the versatility and innovation within this ever-growing spirits category. From the approachable, cocktail-ready mezcals like Del Maguey Vida Clásico to the complex wild agave varieties such as Hedonistas de la Fe’s Tobala, these mezcals provide bartenders with a rich palette of flavors to craft memorable drinks.

As mezcal continues to captivate both casual drinkers and seasoned spirits enthusiasts, bartenders should pay attention to these award-winning brands. Whether offering smoky, robust sippers or using mezcal as a bold cocktail base, the top 15 mezcals from this year’s awards represent some of the best options on the market. For bartenders, embracing these mezcals means staying ahead of the trend and providing customers with a premium mezcal experience that reflects the growing demand for authenticity, craftsmanship, and flavor diversity in the world of spirits.

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Also Read:
Top Mezcals from the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 to Elevate Your Bar
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