Move over tequila, mezcal is the bold, smoky cousin stealing the spotlight. Whether you’ve had it in a craft cocktail or shot it with a slice of orange and worm salt, mezcal’s having its moment. But navigating the world of mezcal in Australia can be tricky due to or proximity of Mexico and love of Tequila. There is not a hole lot of shelf space available for it. Here’s everything you need to know.
No pretentious tasting notes, just the real stuff.
WHAT IS MEZCAL?
Mezcal is a Mexican spirit made from agave (like tequila), but the similarities stop there. Tequila must be made with blue agave, while mezcal can be made with over 30 different types. Plus, mezcal is often cooked in underground pits, giving it that signature smoky flavour.
MIX WITH THESE GUYS
WHERE TO BUY IN AUSTRALIA?
Most bottle shops will have a small selection of Mezcals, your bigger guys like Dan Murphys, First Choice will have larger selections just due to store size. You’ll find your boutique style have lesser ‘Brand Named’ Mezcals. So look around, try a different one each time.
OUR RECS
1. Ilegal Mezcal Joven
📍 Available: Dan Murphy’s & First Choice
💸 Price: Around $85–$95
🔥 Profile: Smooth smoke, hints of green apple and clove
🍹 Best for: Sipping straight or a smoky twist on a Margarita
A solid entry-level mezcal. Clean and easy-drinking but still has that mezcal punch.
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2. Del Maguey Vida
📍 Available: Dan Murphy’s
💸 Price: Around $95–$100
🔥 Profile: Big smoke, tropical fruit, spicy finish
🍹 Best for: Cocktails—especially a Mezcal Negroni or Paloma
Bartenders love it for a reason—it plays well in just about any cocktail you throw at it.
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3. Banhez Mezcal Ensemble
📍 Available: First Choice
💸 Price: Around $80–$90
🔥 Profile: Soft smoke, citrus, cooked agave
🍹 Best for: Mezcal Mules or sipping with orange & sal de gusano
A gentle, approachable blend of Espadín and Barril agaves. Great for beginners.
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4. Mezcal Union Uno
📍 Available: Dan Murphy’s
💸 Price: Around $95
🔥 Profile: Balanced, slightly sweet, herbal smoke
🍹 Best for: Highballs or a smoky Old Fashioned
Cool backstory: It’s a co-op helping local farmers and distillers in Oaxaca. Sip with good karma.
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5. Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej
📍 Available: Occasionally at First Choice (check online)
💸 Price: Around $85–$95
🔥 Profile: Floral, smoky, peppery
🍹 Best for: Mezcal Sours or sipping on a chilly night
A bit harder to find but worth it for something a little off the beaten track.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sip, don’t shoot. Treat it like whisky. Pair with citrus and salt. Orange slices + chili salt is a classic. Try it neat before mixing. Get to know its flavour. Mix wisely. Swap mezcal in your go-to tequila or whisky cocktails.
