The Choosy Traveller: Tequila vs Mescal

A Tale of Two Spirits

“Tequila may make you dance, but mescal makes you think.”

That playful Mexican saying captures the spirit of two drinks that have charmed travellers for centuries. Both are born of the same agave plant and carry the soul of Mexico, yet they couldn’t be more different in character. Tequila is crisp and bright, while mescal is smoky and mysterious, offering travellers a choice that reflects their own style of adventure.

For us here at Wanderwell, the fascination lies not only in the drinks themselves but also in the journeys they inspire. From the cobbled streets of the town of Tequila in Jalisco to the bustling markets of Oaxaca, following the trail of these spirits opens doors to Mexico’s deepest cultural stories. Let’s compare where and how tequila and mescal are made, how they differ in flavour, and the best festivals to celebrate each. Which Mexican do you prefer?

Where They Are Produced

Like Champagne, Tequila is bound by strict geographical rules. It can only be made in the state of Jalisco and a handful of neighbouring states, with the town of Tequila itself standing as the spiritual heart of production. The volcanic soil, the altitude, and the climate of this region all leave their imprint on the drink, producing a lively, citrus-tinged flavour that has become recognised around the world. Travelling through Jalisco, you see vast blue agave fields stretching across the hillsides, a landscape that feels both timeless and alive.

Mescal, in contrast, is more widely spread across Mexico, though the state of Oaxaca is its undisputed capital. The region’s rugged terrain and artisanal traditions have given mescal its soulful, smoky character. Here, production is less about uniformity and more about preserving diversity. Each village, and often each family, has its own way of working with the agave, meaning every bottle tells a different story. Visiting Oaxaca during mescal season immerses you in a world where ancient craft meets modern pride.

These regional contrasts shape more than just flavour; they shape the traveller’s experience. Tequila feels like a celebration of order and refinement, while mescal invites you to savour the unexpected and embrace the artisanal. With the landscapes mapped out, it’s time to step into the process of how these spirits are created.

How They Are Crafted

Tequila is crafted with precision. Blue agave hearts are baked in large ovens, their sugars carefully extracted before being distilled in copper or stainless-steel stills. The process is streamlined and controlled, resulting in a spirit that is consistent and polished. Visiting a tequila distillery feels like stepping into a place where heritage meets innovation, with sleek facilities showcasing both tradition and progress.

Mescal, however, takes you back to the earth. The agave is roasted in underground pits, its fibres absorbing smoke from the wood fire before fermentation. The process is labour-intensive and deeply rooted in community, with methods passed down for generations. A visit to a mescal palenque, a small-scale production facility, often means watching the roasting, crushing, and distilling take place in rustic settings, a sensory experience filled with fire, earth, and spirit.

These production methods highlight two sides of Mexican culture: tequila as a symbol of modern heritage and mescal as a custodian of ancestral knowledge. Having seen how they’re made, the next step is to savour how they taste.

Flavour and Pairings

Tequila is bright, fresh, and often marked by citrus and herbal notes. A good blanco brings zesty energy to your palate, while aged varieties soften into warm caramel tones. Pair it with ceviche or tacos al pastor (marinated pork) and you’ll find the flavours dance together, enhancing the freshness of the dish and the liveliness of the spirit. For many travellers, tequila is a drink that captures the buzz of a fiesta and the vibrancy of the Mexican sun.

Mescal is more complex and layered. Its smoky base carries hints of earth, spice, and sometimes even floral sweetness. A sip reveals depth, like the unfolding of a story told slowly. Pairing it with barbacoa, slow-cooked meat, or a rich mole, chocolate-based sauce, creates a harmony that is both indulgent and grounding. Mescal is best enjoyed slowly, with time to appreciate its subtle nuances. For the traveller, it feels like stepping into a courtyard in Oaxaca, where music, food, and smoky air blend into something unforgettable.

The choice of spirit is also the choice of pace. Tequila lifts you into the rhythm of celebration, while mescal encourages you to linger, reflect, and connect. Having tasted both, it’s time to raise a glass to the festivals that honour them.

Festivals and Celebrations

In Jalisco, the National Tequila Fair takes place every November, turning the town of Tequila into a lively stage of parades, tastings, and music. Travellers can join locals in celebrating the drink that has carried their region’s name across the globe. Guadalajara also hosts annual events where tequila flows alongside mariachi music, bringing people together in joyful celebration.

Oaxaca, meanwhile, holds the Mescal Festival in late July, where small producers showcase their unique creations and invite you to taste their craft. Stalls brim with food, artisans display their work, and live music fills the air. The atmosphere is both festive and intimate, giving you a sense of belonging to something ancient yet still alive. During the Guelaguetza festival in July, mescal often takes centre stage, woven into dance, song, and community celebrations.

These festivals are not just about spirits; they are about identity, pride, and togetherness. They give travellers a chance to experience joy in its purest form.

Choosing Your Spirit Personality

Tequila and mescal are windows into two different ways of experiencing Mexico. Choosing tequila is choosing energy, brightness, and the joy of immediate celebration. Choosing mescal is choosing depth, patience, and the allure of something mysterious and artisanal. Both carry centuries of tradition, and both can make your travels richer and more meaningful.

The decision isn’t about right or wrong, but about what resonates with you. Some travellers feel most alive sharing tequila shots in a lively plaza, while others feel most at home sipping mescal slowly in a quiet courtyard. Whichever path you take, both spirits will connect you to the warmth and generosity of Mexican culture, ensuring your journey is one to savour!

Want to read more? The Hungry Traveller: Ten Historic Food Festivals in the Americas.

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