Mezcal artesanal Del Maguey Vida (Espadín) 750 ml

Oaxacan mezcal at source is the single best liquor arbitrage in Mexico — brands cost a bit less, but palenque-direct bottles cost a third of their US equivalents.

Price: 620 MXN (Typical Mexican retail; Lowpi price tracker shows MX$398-620 across stores, Vinos y Licores lists MX$835.96)

Where to buy: La Europea, supermarkets, and mezcalerías in Oaxaca; better yet, buy unbranded artisanal mezcal directly at palenques in Santiago Matatlán or Mitla

Price checked 2026-07-03

• Mezcal vs tequila: tequila is one agave (blue Weber, Jalisco, often industrial autoclave); mezcal is many agaves, pit-roasted — look for 'Mezcal Artesanal' or 'Ancestral' class and agave species on the label
• The branded-bottle saving is modest; the huge win is palenque-direct: a superb espadín or tobalá for MX$400-800 that would be a US$70-120 bottle stateside — bring cash and ask for a sealed bottle with receipt
• ABV 45%+ is normal and desirable; 'con gusano' is a gimmick, not a quality marker