La Mezcaloteca — Restaurant in Oaxaca

If you want an educational experience within the world of agave spirits, this is the place for you. My husband and I are pretty familiar with how mezcal is made, the different varietals, the different things that can affect the flavors where it comes from, etc. But yet, in an hour here I felt like I still only knew such a small portion of all there is to know when it comes to mezcal.

Our guide created a beautiful sampling of five mezcals for my husband based on his love of Tobala. He was guided through an array of Tobalas from different regions, elevations, and blends with other agaves.

Our guide curated a very creative sampling of five mezcals based on my inquiry, an interest in finding varietals that are more obscure and basically impossible to find in the US. The amount of knowledge I (attempting to) consume in the one hour wasn’t overwhelming, but it was intense because these people really know their products. And that’s truly a testament to their love of the spirit.

But it’s not just the spirit. It’s the nature.. the people.. there’s just so much that goes into making a mezcal and that is showcased in the tastings at Mezcaloteca.

I am sure there are other places you can go to try mezcals. And there are certainly other places you can go to learn as well. But La Mezcaloteca is truly an amazing experience that you...

"Mezcal Tastes Like Time"

And there's simply no better establishment to authentically experience & learn the virtues of this indigenous​ agave nectar of the gods than at Mezcalogia.

Owned by partners Siliva Philion & Marco Ochoa, this mezcaleria is run by some of the most soulful​ & studied mezcaleros in Mexico. Come if you have a​ thirsty mind & thirsty stomach...don't come here if you're looking for the worm.

The experience starts when you make a reservation (highly recommended but not necessarily required depending on day/time).

Grab your seat at the L-shaped bar where your host will begin a tutorial in an effort to find where your palate may land. And to help articulate the process you'll receive a sensory characteristics note card extolling all the flavors, aromas, visuals & tactile sensations you're sure to experience along the way.

You'll also learn about the varied agave species, palenques & infamous Mezcal Maestros across the land...and if you have time I highly recommend booking a guided tour to visit nearby mezcal farms to see how the sausage is made to really complete the experience.

As no two mezcals taste the same, you'll find yourself immediately thinking about making your next reservation after walking...

Bastian guided us through the journey of a lifetime tonight. I’m sitting here still tipsy a few hours later after imbibing on some of the most delicious drinks I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting (I mean, I did leave with 3 entire bottles so that alone should attest to how much I loved these drinks). He asked my fiancée and I a few questions about our experience drinking: what we like to drink, flavor profiles, cocktails, etc. totally non judgmental about what we’ve tried and it’s clear to me he (and the young woman who was there with him whose name I did t catch D:) is absolutely in love with the craft and magic that is mezcal. We had the 5 drink tasting and it lasted about 2 hours; words can’t describe the joy I felt being able to try 10 unique different batches. It’s so cool how they support local artisans in sharing their craft. Please take the time to make a reservation, get excited about the journey, and try some drinks here with an open mind. They are not for the faint of heart, but if you follow their instructions I’m sure you will feel a warmth no other alcohol could ever provide. With mezcal’s fiery embrace, you’ll head to your next destination a most...