Smoky, complex, and deeply rooted in tradition — mezcal is Mexico's artisanal soul in a bottle. Shop mezcal online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA, from classic espadin to rare wild agaves, all available to order online.
Shop by style: Tequila | Blanco Tequila | Reposado Tequila | Anejo Tequila
All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila: tequila can only be made from blue agave in specific regions, while mezcal can be made from dozens of agave species, most famously in Oaxaca. The signature smokiness comes from tradition — agave hearts slow-roasted in earthen pits, crushed by stone tahona wheel, and distilled in small copper stills. Espadin is the workhorse agave behind most mezcal; wild agaves like tobala and tepeztate take a decade or more to mature and produce rare, prized bottles.
Like tequila, mezcal follows an aging ladder: joven (unaged, the purest expression), reposado (rested in oak), and anejo (aged for depth). When you buy mezcal online, look for the agave species on the label and words like artisanal or ancestral — marks of traditional production. Our shelves carry the producers mezcal lovers respect — Del Maguey, Montelobos, Ilegal, Wahaka — from everyday sippers to small-batch unicorns.
Every mezcal here is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, shipping from San Diego, CA. Sip it neat with an orange slice and sal de gusano, or take your margarita somewhere wilder.
Mezcal FAQs
What is the difference between mezcal and tequila?
Tequila is a type of mezcal made only from blue agave in designated regions. Mezcal can be made from many agave species (mostly in Oaxaca) and is traditionally pit-roasted, giving it a signature smokiness.
Why is mezcal smoky?
The agave hearts (pinas) are slow-roasted in earthen pits lined with hot stones before fermentation — that fire-roasting infuses the spirit with smoke.
What is the best mezcal for cocktails?
A quality espadin joven. It is affordable, mixable, and brings enough smoke to transform a margarita or paloma without overpowering it.
What is espadin?
Espadin is the most widely cultivated agave for mezcal — reliable, flavorful, and the backbone of most bottles you will find. Wild agaves like tobala are rarer and pricier.