What to Look for When Choosing a Mezcal - Whether a mezcal newbie or a seasoned sipper, here are important details to look for when deciding what to sample.
Beginner
Is it 100 percent agave? Any mezcal (including tequila) worth drinking are made from 100 percent agave. Luckily, this is usually displayed prominently on the front of the bottle.
 
From what varietal of agave is it made? Most mezcal (that isn’t tequila) is made from the espadín varietal of agave. As a beginner, it’s usually best to start here—there are a lot of different flavors to explore before you move on to other varietals like tobalá, tobasiche, and arroqueño
 
Is it aged? Most mezcal is unaged or joven (young), because agave has so much flavor it doesn’t need aging. However, it can be fun to try a reposado (rested) or añejo (aged) variety.
 
Is it clear? All joven mezcal should be clear. Repasado and añejo mezcals will have a bit of a gold tinge.
 
Is it produced in a small batch? True mezcal is made in small batches, and while most bottles will tell you the exact size of the batch, as a new mezcal drinker, just be sure to stay away from anything that has a celebrity’s name on the bottle or otherwise seems like it might be mass produced.
 
Última Palabra (“The Last Word”)
The Recipe
1 ounce (30 ml) mezcal joven
¾ ounce (23 ml) green chartreuse
¾ ounce (23 ml) maraschino liqueur, preferably Luxardo
Orange peel, for garnish
¾ ounce (23 ml) fresh lime juice
The Method
In a cocktail shaker with ice, vigorously shake together all the ingredients until cold and well blended. Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with an orange peel, and serve.