Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit made by distilling the juice of the agave plant. People in Mexico have been making it for a long time, even before the Spanish arrived in the 1500s. They would harvest the sweet juice from the agave plant, ferment it, and distill it.
Back when Spain controlled Mexico, mezcal became popular. This was partly because grapes didn’t grow well there, making wine difficult. Most mezcal was made by hand in small batches, and sometimes, the conditions weren’t very clean.
The first big mezcal companies started in the 1800s. They produced large quantities of mezcal and ensured it was of high quality, which helped them sell it in other countries, including the USA and Europe.
Nowadays, lots of people around the world love mezcal. It’s as famous as tequila, rum, and whiskey. The best Mexican brands use high-quality agave and maintain traditional methods.
The logo shapes the brand’s image and recognition, helping consumers distinguish it from competitors in this alcohol category. Traditional labels often feature elements that highlight mezcal’s connection to Mexican roots and culture:
- The agave cactus image, mezcal’s primary plant ingredient, underscores the drink’s quality, derived from the juice of century-old plants.
- Traditional Mexican symbols, such as the sunstone or floral-adorned skulls, set the tone and add character.
- Folkloric style illustrations depicting national motifs and crafts.
Vibrant logo design and styling evoke desired associations and emotions among the target audience, enhancing the brand’s appeal. This impact is reflected in sales and recognition, solidifying Mezcal’s position in the global spirits market.
Del Maguey
In the 1990s, Ron Cooper, an artist who later became a businessman, discovered the traditional mezcal-making method in Oaxaca, Mexico. He appreciated the unique flavors and the traditional methods used to make it, such as crushing agave with stones and distilling it in clay pots. In 1995, he founded Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal to showcase these special mezcals, made in small batches by local producers.
He began with just three types of mezcal from different regions of Oaxaca. Each showcased the distinctive taste of its region. As the company grew, it expanded its product range and became popular in the United States and other countries. People worldwide are increasingly appreciating mezcal for its traditional, handmade qualities.
Even after a large company acquired Del Maguey in 2021, it continued to produce mezcal the old way, working with many mezcal makers in Oaxaca. They stick to using traditional, earth-friendly methods, which have made their mezcal well-known and loved worldwide.
The logo of Del Maguey, with the words “SINGLE VILLAGE” around “DEL MAGUEY,” shows how much they care about their local community and keeping traditions alive. The simple black letters of the logo represent the company’s focus on quality and tradition in making mezcal.
Montelobos
Montelobos was founded in 2010 by Iván Saldaña, drawing on his family’s long history of making mezcal in Oaxaca, Mexico. He wanted to produce top-quality mezcal for people worldwide. Working with master mezcal maker Don Abel, they stuck to traditional methods, such as using horses to crush the agave and distilling in copper pots. This careful process makes their mezcal distinctive, capturing the true taste of its origin.
“Montelobos” comes from the mountains and wolves near Saldaña’s old village. The brand became known for its mezcals made from different agave varieties and was celebrated internationally in 2015. They even made a special blend called “Ensamble” to showcase the variety of mezcal flavors. They have an ancestral lineage and collaborate with expert Tess Rose Lampe to revive traditional distilling methods and focus on rare agave varieties.
Montelobos is known for its traditional mezcal production and eco-friendly practices, including organic certification and careful agave sourcing. Their clear logo fits a modern style, mixing tradition with a new look. Iván Saldaña leads the company, keeping strong connections with local mezcal makers and sharing their small-batch mezcal with the world. Montelobos is a symbol of Mexican mezcal tradition, loved both locally and internationally.
Ilegal Mezcal
Ilegal Mezcal began in a hidden bar in Guatemala and has since grown into a well-known Mezcal brand. It has a simple logo that fits its classy look. The brand began in 2004 when John Rexer, an American living abroad, brought small amounts of mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico, to Guatemala. Mezcal was hardly known outside Mexico at the time. Rexer used to sneak mezcal across the border, so it’s called “Ilegal.” What started as a secret operation turned into a real business in 2006. Ilegal Mezcal focuses on mezcal joven, an unaged mezcal known for its smoky flavor. They wanted to share this traditional Mexican drink with more people.
Ilegal Mezcal became popular through word-of-mouth and praise from drink experts. It found a special place in the high-end cocktail market, attracting fans among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. In 2017, Bacardi acquired Ilegal Mezcal, but Rexer remained to maintain the brand’s focus on traditional methods and support for small producers in Mexico. Ilegal Mezcal has helped more people worldwide learn about Mezcal’s rich history, connecting different cultures and tastes.
Mezcal Unión
In 2011, a group from Mexico started Mezcal Unión with two big goals. They wanted to make mezcal more popular and help the environment and society. They worked closely with local farmers and mezcal makers in Oaxaca to ensure everything was done the traditional way, which helped everyone involved. Then, in 2016, they partnered with the large company Diageo. This helped them reach more people worldwide, attract more farmers and mezcal makers, and do even more good in Oaxaca by strengthening the local economy and society.
Mezcal Unión is distinctive for adhering to traditional mezcal-making practices and prioritizing the local Oaxacan community. They offer a range of mezcals, including Mezcal Unión Uno, Mezcal Unión Silvestre, and Mezcal Unión El Viejo, all of which reflect rich Mexican traditions.
They continue to work with local agave farmers and mezcal experts, focusing on producing high-quality mezcal, supporting the community, and protecting the environment. Their logo is easy to spot: “MEZCAL” in large red letters and “UNIÓN” in deep brown, which looks modern yet shows respect for their roots. The ‘M.R.’ tag on their logo stands for top quality, making Mezcal Unión a respected name in the mezcal world.
El Jolgorio
El Jolgorio Mezcal is a distinctive Oaxacan mezcal produced by the Cortes family. They began producing it in 2010 to preserve their traditions. Mezcal is integral to celebrations and ceremonies in Oaxaca. By 2019, the Cortes family had worked with 17 families from 10 places to make El Jolgorio. Each bottle tells a story about its origin and the maker. They make mezcal the old way, cooking agave plants in the ground, fermenting them outside, and distilling them in copper pots. The label on each bottle indicates the agave used, when and where it was harvested, who produced it, and how many bottles were produced. This helps people who drink it feel connected to the makers and the land.
El Jolgorio uses various agaves, including wild and rare varieties, to craft unique drinks. Some are very special and can be saved for up to eighteen years. Rolando Cortes and his family work with skilled metalworkers who are deeply committed to the land and its traditions. Their mezcal production helps share benefits with many producers in Oaxaca and supports the health of agave plants.
El Jolgorio’s logo looks friendly and inviting, and the name is playful and handwritten. This aligns perfectly with the handmade, traditional quality of their mezcal. The word “Mezcal” is set in a playful font below, underscoring their pride in producing this traditional drink.
Mezcal Vago
Mezcal Vago is known for producing mezcal the traditional way and for being transparent about its production. Their logo features hand-drawn lettering that appears rough, suggesting a preference for a simple, traditional design.
The company was founded in 2013 by two Americans, Dylan Sloan and Judah Kuper, who were passionate about traditional mezcal production. They partnered with Aquilino García López, a mezcal master from Oaxaca, Mexico. He taught them to make mezcal the traditional way, such as crushing agave by hand and using wooden vats for fermentation.
They wanted to bring these traditional mezcals to the U.S., producing them in small batches to maintain high quality. By 2016, mezcal had become more widely enjoyed, made from various agave varieties. They even made a special mezcal called Elote, flavored with roasted corn husks, which gives it a sweet, smoky taste.
Sloan and Kuper continue working with Don Aquilino to produce more mezcal while adhering to traditional methods. Mezcal Vago is praised for its commitment to the environment and for ensuring that everyone who helps produce the mezcal is treated and paid fairly.
Nuestra Soledad
In 2007, Valentín Cortes, his brother Rolando, and his son Asis started Mezcal Nuestra Soledad. They come from a family that has been making mezcal for six generations. This brand is about loving the agave plant and making mezcal in a way that doesn’t harm the planet. They produce their mezcal in Oaxaca, Mexico, in areas such as Santiago Matatlán and San Luis del Río. Each place imparts its own taste to mezcal, shaped by the local plants and the methods used to produce it.
Mezcal Nuestra Soledad is produced in six locations in Oaxaca, each with its own production methods. They use 100% Espadin agave and follow old traditions for growing, roasting, fermenting, and distilling, making each mezcal unique. They have six kinds of mezcal, each from a different village. This highlights the diverse environments and flavors available in Oaxaca. The way they make mezcal has been passed down through families for generations, making their drinks distinctive.
Their logo is golden and fun, with letters of different sizes and angles. It looks friendly and shows they care greatly about their traditions and making unique mezcal.
Sombra
In 2006, Richard Betts founded Sombra Mezcal because he loves wine, spirits, and all things Mexican. He found mezcal fascinating during his visit to Oaxaca and decided to partner with an expert mezcal maker and the Sanchez family, who had been making mezcal for many years. Together, they created Sombra, a brand committed to being kind to the planet. They use solar power at their distillery to keep the environment clean while making mezcal the traditional way.
Sombra works hard to protect the environment and is proud to be among the first mezcal brands recognized for its sustainability. They care about saving water, treating workers well, using renewable energy, and helping their community. With its old-style font, Sombra’s logo shows off its deep roots. It states it’s made from 100% Maguey Espadin and is a traditional, young mezcal, underscoring its focus on natural and traditional methods.
With Betts and Jorge Sanchez leading, Sombra offers a range of mezcals, including the famous Espadín Especial and others made from Oaxaca’s unique agaves. Their work promoting environmental sustainability and preserving Mexican cultural traditions has earned them awards worldwide. Sombra Mezcal sets an example by adhering to handmade production methods and caring for the planet, offering a taste of Mexico’s heritage and a promise of a healthier earth.
Rey Campero
Rey Campero is a specialty mezcal produced in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. It began with Romulo Sanchez Parada, who learned to make mezcal from his father. His family has been doing this for four generations. In 2003, Romulo launched his mezcal, Rey Campero, which means “King of the Countryside.” He wanted to continue making mezcal the traditional way, as his ancestors did.
Romulo worked in other countries for a while but came back in 2003 with a plan. He built a palenque in his hometown and ensured his mezcal was produced properly, respecting the people who worked for him and protecting the environment. People in Oaxaca first loved his mezcal, but in 2012, he started selling it in the United States. Rey Campero produces three types of mezcal from wild agave, and consumers appreciate its authentic taste.
The Rey Campero logo depicts a man and a mule harvesting agave, symbolizing mezcal production. Romulo’s dedication to crafting high-quality mezcal and honoring his heritage has made Rey Campero popular in new markets, helping share the rich culture of Oaxaca with more people.
Gracias a Dios
Gracias a Dios is a special mezcal brand from Oaxaca, Mexico. It started with two friends, Moisés Guindi and Iván Saldaña, who wanted to make a unique drink. They focused on traditional mezcal production and even created an agave gin. Their logo features a circular design with a winged figure resembling a saint, suggesting a strong commitment to culture and history.
In 2010, they made three high-quality mezcals: Espadín, Tobalá, and Madrecuixe. Each comes from a different place and is made in small amounts to keep it special. They produced additional special mezcals and established their facility in 2013. This showed they cared about making mezcal correctly and helping their community.
Gracias a Dios has become popular in Mexico and the United States for its careful mezcal production and commitment to the environment. It has won awards and has a large fan base.
Even after more than 10 years, Gracias a Dios continues to celebrate Oaxaca’s traditions and support the communities where its mezcal is produced. The founders, Guindi and Saldaña, ensure that every bottle carries the history and spirit of Oaxaca.
Mezcal Amarás
In 2010, a group of friends traveled through Mexico’s mezcal-making areas. They saw how hard it was to grow and make mezcal and started their brand, Mezcal Amarás. This brand is about loving and respecting Mexican traditions and showcasing the skills of mezcal makers passed down for generations. Every bottle of Mezcal Amarás is special, hand-signed, and shows the spirit of Oaxaca and Mexican roots.
Santiago Suarez, one of the founders, says that the choices mezcal makers make are critical to the mezcal’s taste and quality. Mezcal Amarás is more than just a mezcal company. It is committed to the environment and sources only sustainably grown agaves. They give back 15% of their profits to support local communities and ensure there are enough agaves for the future by planting 10 agaves for every one they use. This helps create jobs and is better for the planet. They pay their team members 20% more than the standard rate, demonstrating their commitment to the community.
Mezcal Amarás is a good example of a company that cares about its community and the environment. Its logo features “MEZCAL” and “AMARÁS” in a lively design with a sunburst pattern, conveying the brand’s energy and excitement.
Pierde Almas
Pierde Almas Mezcal is a special drink made the old way, honoring traditions. It stands out for using rare agave varieties in its specialty drinks. The brand’s symbol depicts a person with dragonfly wings over an agave plant, evoking spirits or gods associated with mezcal. “PIERDE ALMAS” means “lost souls,” adding mystery and linking the drink to old stories and its magical effects.
Jonathan Barbieri, an American artist who moved to Oaxaca, Mexico, started Pierde Almas Mezcal. He fell in love with local mezcal and began producing his own, first for friends and then for a wider audience as it gained popularity. Pierde Almas produces 9 to 11 mezcal styles, each with handmade labels and drawings by Barbieri.
Pierde Almas is known for producing mezcal the traditional way and for experimenting. For example, they make a mezcal called pechuga by distilling it three times and adding chicken breast and fruits. They also use wild turkey and rabbit meat in other unique mezcals, producing about 400 bottles annually.
At a special event in Chichicapam, Pierde Almas celebrated the launch of a new pechuga mezcal. Important guests, including Barbieri and the Sanchez brothers, who make mezcal, came to enjoy the tradition and the special way they make mezcal, using herbs for gin in the third distillation.
Derrumbes
In 2012, Derrumbes Mezcal started with a simple idea from people who knew a lot about alcohol. Sergio Mendoza previously made tequila, and his partner, who had money and was related to Sergio, decided to create a new kind of mezcal. They didn’t have much money at first, just $15,000, but they were excited and worked hard to grow their business by putting the money they made back into it.
Derrumbes sought to make mezcal more popular beyond Oaxaca, helping small family businesses gain visibility and sell their mezcal. This was beneficial because it helped more places grow agave plants and took some of the pressure off Oaxaca, where much of the agave was used. They wanted to help families produce mezcal while protecting the environment.
Derrumbes offers mezcal from various regions of Mexico, each showcasing the unique flavors of its area. Sergio Mendoza and Esteban Morales, who make La Venenosa, collaborate to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Mexican mezcal.
The Derrumbes logo is distinctive as well. It features the word “mezcal” in a distinctive font and the name “DERRUMBES” in dark red, underscoring their love for mezcal and their commitment to producing high-quality drinks that honor old traditions.
The Lost Explorer
In 2020, David de Rothschild started The Lost Explorer Mezcal. He loves the environment and Mexican culture. He worked with Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos. They care deeply about tradition, quality, and sustainability. Their place in Oaxaca uses solar power to collect rainwater. They plant more agave, which benefits the environment and the local community.
They make three kinds of mezcal: Espadín Joven, Tobalá, and Salmiana. Each is made from different Oaxacan agave plants. People liked these mezcals because they taste great and are made in ways that don’t harm the planet. The Lost Explorer is known for its commitment to the Environment. Their Espadín mezcal won a major award in 2021, and their Joven mezcal won another major award in 2022.
Their logo is modern. It features a large red “A” that resembles a mountain and a line representing the horizon. This logo reflects their love of adventure and exploration. It stands for their journey to make mezcal responsibly for the planet.
David de Rothschild and Don Fortino Ramos lead the way in making mezcal that respects nature. They aim to produce high-quality mezcal while making a positive impact on the planet. They hope to show others how to do business well for the earth.
Banhez
Banhez Mezcal is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico, by Francisco Javier Perez Cruz. He saw how hard it was for mezcal makers in his area and wanted to help. Francisco grew up in Oaxaca and was familiar with these struggles. When he returned to Ejutla, he started working to improve things. He held important roles, including serving as treasurer and later mayor. Francisco worked hard to improve farming and help the community. He helped establish a council that brought together mezcal makers and other stakeholders.
Banhez Mezcal is produced by over 35 families in San Miguel Ejutla, in the middle of Oaxaca. These families work together to grow the plants, make the mezcal, and pack it. They keep old traditions alive, working as a team like Francisco wanted. They care deeply about making mezcal, using practices that are good for the earth and fair for everyone.
The name Banhez Mezcal and its logo show pride in where they come from and how they make their mezcal. The logo looks strong and respects their history. It says “BANHEZ” in big letters, with “MEZCAL ARTESANAL” to show it’s made by hand, and “TRADICIONES DE OAXACA” to remember the long history of making mezcal in Oaxaca.
Craneo
Craneo Organic Mezcal is a special mezcal produced by David Ravandi, who founded 123 Tequila. It celebrates the Day of the Dead and adheres to traditional practices. This mezcal is made from Espadin agave, grown at high elevations in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca. It’s organic and has a bit more alcohol than usual, 42%. It tastes like a mix of smoky, sweet barbecue, citrus, and other fruits like orange, grapefruit, and banana, with a hint of sugar. This mix makes it both sweet and smoky, which many people like.
Craneo started in November 2016 and is among the few organic mezcals available. Its bottle features a skull inspired by an Aztec goddess, symbolizing strength and inspiration. The taste combines smoky barbecue with a touch of citrus, including orange zest and grapefruit. It’s smooth, not too sweet, and has a smoky smell.
Craneo’s logo is simple yet deep, featuring the name in a textured, gray style that evokes stone and the long history of mezcal. The modern, simple font used for the logo aligns with the brand’s straightforward, powerful look, conveying what Craneo is all about.
Tres Papalote
Tres Papalote Mezcal is produced in the mountains of Guerrero, Mexico. It’s special because it’s made with care, using old Mexican ways. They pick a special kind of agave plant called Cupreata from high places. These plants make the mezcal taste smooth, smoky, and aromatic, with hints of herbs and citrus.
They produce three types of mezcal, each with a distinct flavor. Some are sweet and soft, and others are strong and full of flavors. Cheech Marin, a well-known actor and comedian, helps promote Tres Papalote. He loves Chicano culture and mezcal.
Making Tres Papalote is hard work. They start by picking the agave, then roasting it, crushing it, letting it ferment, and finally, distilling it twice or thrice. This ensures the mezcal is top quality, with just the right taste and strength.
The bottle looks cool because Cheech Marin’s Chicano art collection inspires it. The label was created by Jaime Zacarias, an artist known as Germs. It features a fun design with luchador masks and bright colors that highlight the culture behind mezcal. This art is in the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art in Riverside, California.
The Tres Papalote logo features a gold-and-green agave plant, and the name is in bold red letters. It demonstrates their love for agave, the main ingredient in mezcal, and celebrates Mexico’s joyful culture and traditions.