Mexico City: Mezcal tasting & mole pairing with sommelier

Summary

Tasting mezcal & mole in Mexico City with a local sommelier

You’ll join a small group in Mexico City for an intimate mezcal tasting led by a certified sommelier, sampling seven types of artisanal mezcal paired with seven traditional moles (vegan options available). Expect laughter, new friends, expert stories about agave culture, and flavors you’ll remember long after your last sip.

What’s the experience like?

“You can’t rush a good mezcal — it’s like waiting for rain in Oaxaca,” our guide Armando said, swirling his glass and grinning at us. I’d never really thought about how much patience goes into these bottles until he started telling stories about the agave farmers, their hands stained green from the fields outside Oaxaca. The room was small but lively, with that faint earthy smell of roasted agave and something sweet-spicy drifting from the kitchen. There were maybe eight of us around the table, all strangers at first, but you know how mezcal works — it doesn’t let you stay strangers for long.

I’ll admit I was nervous about trying seven different moles (I still can’t pronounce “manchamanteles” right). Armando lined up the mezcals: Espadín, Cuishe, Madre Cuishe… each one poured into these little clay copitas that felt cool and rough in my hand. He had us sniff them first — smoky, herbal, sometimes almost floral — then sip slowly while we tasted each mole. The color of the moles ranged from deep chocolate to this bright red that looked like it should be spicy but wasn’t. I think my favorite was the one with hints of plantain; I kept going back for more even though I was supposed to pace myself.

There was a moment when someone asked about vegan options and Armando just nodded like it was obvious — “Of course, Oaxaca has something for everyone.” It made me realize how much care went into planning this mezcal tasting in Mexico City. We laughed a lot (especially after the third glass), swapped stories about food fails back home, and tried to guess which agave made which mezcal. At one point I tried saying “Tepeztate” properly and got a round of applause — or maybe they were just being polite.

I still think about that last pairing: a blend of Tobala and Tepeztate with this rich black mole that tasted like smoke and chocolate at once. The light outside had faded by then but inside it felt warm and easy, like we’d all known each other longer than two hours. If you’re looking for a day trip mezcal experience in Mexico City that’s actually run by locals who care (and know their stuff), this is it. I left smelling faintly of smoke and spices — not complaining.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mezcal and Mole Tasting Experience

• Guided mezcal and mole tasting
• Learn about seven traditional moles
• Sample seven artisanal mezcals
• Engage in cultural discussion

Top questions

Is this mezcal tasting suitable for vegans?

Yes, vegan options are available for all mole pairings during the tasting.

How many mezcals will I try during this experience?

You’ll sample seven different artisanal mezcals selected by the sommelier.

Where does the mezcal tasting take place?

The tasting is held in downtown Mexico City at a cozy traditional venue.

Is there an expert guide or sommelier present?

Yes, the experience is led by certified sommeliers from the Agave Spirits Institute.

Are snacks included with the mezcal tasting?

Yes, each mezcal is paired with a different traditional mole as part of the experience.

Is transportation provided to the venue?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are nearby and accessible.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible for guests.

What’s included

Your day includes seven artisanal mezcals carefully paired with seven traditional moles (vegan options available), guidance from a certified local sommelier, printed tasting menus with production notes, plus snacks throughout — all set in an accessible downtown Mexico City location before you head out into the evening again.