Tasting of Organic Mezcales

Exploring Oaxaca’s Organic Mezcal Scene: A Review of the Tasting Experience

If you’re heading to Oaxaca and want to get a real taste of its iconic spirit, the Tasting of Organic Mezcales organized by @Etnofood and @EspacioMezcal is worth considering. This isn’t just another tasting event; it’s an engaging journey led by young members of a social enterprise dedicated to promoting mezcal culture. The hosts, often children or young volunteers from local cooperatives, bring both passion and authenticity to the experience—making it a memorable way to connect with Oaxaca’s artisanal spirit.

What we particularly love about this tour is its focus on local, small-scale producers and organic mezcals, which means you’re likely to taste a variety of flavors that showcase the diversity of Oaxaca’s agave traditions. Plus, the hosts’ enthusiasm makes the learning process lively and approachable, perfect for those new to mezcal or seasoned enthusiasts wanting to deepen their appreciation.

A potential consideration is the group size, which is limited to just 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate setting but also requiring some planning ahead, as it’s booked on average 25 days in advance. This experience suits travelers who’re curious about mezcal’s cultural roots and enjoy interactive, educational activities in a relaxed environment—especially if they appreciate hearing stories directly from passionate local youth.

Key Points

• Authentic Hosts: The experience is led by young members from local mezcal cooperatives, making it uniquely genuine.
• Educational & Tasty: Tasting three different organic mezcals while learning about their production and agaves.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 travelers, fostering a personalized atmosphere.
• Value for Money: At just over $41 per person, the tour offers a rich cultural and tasting experience, including educational materials.
• Perfect for Curious Travelers: Ideal for those interested in mezcal, local culture, and sustainable practices.
• Booking & Accessibility: Booked well in advance, with a convenient meeting point in Oaxaca’s city center and near public transportation.

A Deep Dive into the Oaxaca Organic Mezcal Tasting Experience

Setting & Atmosphere
The tour begins at Etnofood’s location on Xicoténcatl Street in Oaxaca’s historic center. The space is described as comfortable and dedicated solely to mezcal culture. It’s an ideal environment—informal enough to relax in, yet thoughtful enough to foster genuine learning. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a curated collection of mezcal bottles, emphasizing organic and artisanal distillates, which immediately sets the tone for an authentic tasting session.

The Hosts & Their Role
One of the most compelling aspects of this experience is the fact that it’s run by local youth, volunteers, and members of mezcal cooperatives. They’re not professional sommeliers but passionate advocates eager to share their knowledge and love of mezcal. As one reviewer noted, “Juan is a really nice guy and his excitement is contagious.” Their enthusiasm adds a layer of authenticity that is often missing from more commercial tastings. Expect engaging stories, a relaxed tone, and a genuine desire to educate.

The Tasting & Educational Content
During the approximately one-hour session, you’ll sample three different organic mezcals—each made by different producers, cooperatives, or small families from Oaxaca. This variety showcases the diversity of flavors, aromas, and textures that make mezcal such a complex spirit.

You’ll receive academic materials and a sensory wheel—tools that help you articulate what you’re tasting and smelling. This educational component is especially valuable if you’re new to mezcal or want to deepen your appreciation of its nuances. The hosts also explain production methods and agave varieties, giving you a broader understanding of what sets each mezcal apart.

Flavor Profiles & Producer Stories
Every mezcal has its own story, from the type of agave used to the traditional techniques employed by local families. This storytelling enriches the tasting, transforming it from mere sipping to an exploration of Oaxaca’s culinary heritage. Some reviews mention the addition of mixology experiences, which can enhance the tasting, though it’s not included in the standard package.

Group Size & Atmosphere
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the experience feels personal and interactive. You’re encouraged to ask questions, discuss flavors, and connect with your hosts. This smaller group size means you’re more likely to get tailored insights and enjoy a more relaxed environment.

Pricing & Value
At $41.31 per person, the price is quite reasonable considering it includes three organic mezcals, tasting materials, and educational content. Given the effort and enthusiasm of the hosts, plus the curated selection of artisanal spirits, many travelers will find this to be good value for an authentic and immersive experience.

Logistics & Booking
The tour starts at 5:00 pm, making it a perfect activity after a day exploring Oaxaca’s sights. It’s recommended to book around 25 days in advance due to its popularity. The meeting point is centrally located, near public transportation, which makes access straightforward.

Reviews & Feedback
The majority of reviews praise the hosts’ knowledgeable and approachable manner. One reviewer shared that adding a mixology adventure significantly enhanced the experience, though that requires an additional fee. Travelers feel it’s a fun, informative, and authentic way to connect with Oaxaca’s spirit—both figuratively and literally.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tasting is best suited for curious travelers eager to learn about mezcal’s cultural roots and sample organic, small-batch spirits. It appeals to those who enjoy interactive experiences and want to hear stories directly from local producers. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate small group settings, where they can ask questions and get personalized insights.

If you’re a fan of spirits, curious about traditional production methods, or simply want a relaxed evening with friendly locals sharing their passion, this tour will definitely make your Oaxaca visit more memorable.

The Sum Up

The Tasting of Organic Mezcales offers a genuine glimpse into Oaxaca’s vibrant mezcal scene, led by passionate local youth committed to sharing their culture. It’s more than just a tasting; it’s an educational journey filled with stories, flavors, and a sense of community. For the price, you receive a well-rounded experience that balances authenticity, learning, and fun.

Travelers who appreciate small, personal tours with knowledgeable guides will find this particularly rewarding. The focus on organic and artisanal spirits guarantees a taste profile you won’t find in the mass market, making it perfect for those eager to discover Oaxaca’s true spirit.

Whether you’re new to mezcal or a seasoned enthusiast, this experience provides a meaningful way to connect with Oaxaca’s culinary traditions. It’ll leave you with a deeper understanding of the spirit, a few new favorites, and stories to tell back home.

FAQ

How long does the tasting last?
The experience takes approximately one hour, giving enough time to sample three mezcals and listen to stories without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
You’ll taste three organic mezcals, receive academic materials, and a sensory wheel to help identify flavors and aromas.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The hosts focus on making mezcal accessible and enjoyable for newcomers, explaining production methods and flavor profiles clearly.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, as the experience is booked on average 25 days in advance and places are limited to 10 travelers for a more intimate setting.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at EtnofoodXicoténcatl 609, in Oaxaca’s city center. It’s near public transportation options.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour involves tasting alcohol, so it’s suitable for adults of legal drinking age. Service animals are allowed.

Is transportation provided?
No, but the meeting point is conveniently located in Oaxaca’s city center, near public transit.

What makes this tour different from other mezcal tastings?
The hosts are young local members passionate about sharing their culture, and the focus on organic, small-scale producers offers a more genuine taste of Oaxaca.

Would I enjoy this experience alone or with a group?
It’s perfect for small groups or even solo travelers who enjoy a personal, engaging atmosphere with knowledgeable guides.

This tour promises a friendly, educational, and flavorful introduction to Oaxaca’s celebrated mezcal tradition—an experience that’s as enriching as it is enjoyable.