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A day trip to visit Oaxaca's famous palenques, or mezcal spirit distilleries, is an absolute must. Indagare can arrange guided tours that will bring you to some of our favorite spots, including well-known establishments and off-the-beaten-path treasures.
If you're exploring on your own, and perhaps sticking closer to Oaxaca City, a few tasting rooms we recommend include: Mezcaleriá In Situ, Mezcalería Cuish and Mezcaloteca.
Says Indagare's Elise Bronzo: "Mezcal is having a moment, and craft cocktail aficionados might not know that mezcal is an "umbrella term" for all agave-derived spirits. Mezcal is associated with the smokiest varietal; however, tequila is in fact a mezcal (made from blue agave only)—as are lesser-known spirits like Pulque or Pechuga. While in Oaxaca, where many "palenques" (agave farms and distilleries) are located, we recommend trying various agaves, like Madrecuish, Tobalá and Tepeztate, which each have their own flavor profile (like tasting wine in Napa Valley). If you’re feeling adventurous, order your mezcal neat (sip with Tajín salt and an orange slice, don’t shoot!) and skip the Espadín—you can get that in New York. Pro tip: You are allowed to bring up to four bottles of mezcal home in your checked luggage.”