Mezcal

Mezcal is an agave spirit with ancient roots in Mexico, defined by its earthy, smoky complexity and distinct terroir from earthen pit roasting. Wooden Cork carries expressions from Oaxaca and beyond — approachable Espadin through rare wild agave varieties like Tobala, Tepeztate, and Madrecuixe — from producers including Del Maguey, El Silencio, Bozal, and Mezcal Vago.

Browse tequila and rare and allocated bottles at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does mezcal taste smoky and how does the smoke level vary?

The smoke in mezcal comes from roasting the agave piñas (the harvested agave hearts) in earthen pits lined with hot rocks and wood before fermentation. The roasting caramelizes the agave’s natural sugars, breaks down its fibers for fermentation, and infuses the cooked agave with smoke from the wood. The degree of smoke depends on three factors: the type of wood used (encino, mesquite, and oak each produce different smoke character), the duration and temperature of the roast, and the agave variety (some varieties absorb smoke more readily than others). Not all mezcal is heavily smoked — some expressions — particularly those made with Tobala, Tepeztate, or other wild agaves — are relatively delicate, with the agave’s natural florality and fruit character prominent and the smoke as a subtle backdrop.

What is the difference between joven, reposado, and añejo mezcal?

Joven mezcal is unaged or minimally aged — bottled shortly after distillation to preserve the raw agave, smoke, and terroir character. Reposado mezcal is aged 2–12 months in oak barrels, softening the smoke and adding light wood notes. Añejo is aged more than 12 months, with more pronounced oak integration. The mezcal community is somewhat divided on aging: many producers and enthusiasts argue that barrel aging obscures the agave and terroir character that makes artisanal mezcal distinctive, so the most highly regarded mezcals are often joven expressions. The wood aging categories are the same terms used for tequila but the philosophy around them differs significantly between the two categories.