Fans are buying up this unique Mexican spirit for its complex earthiness and authenticity. It’s amazing for sipping or in cocktails.
Mezcal is having its moment. Americans are sipping it straight. They’re mixing it. They’re posting love letters to this unique spirit on social media — and it deserves every bit of the attention.
Whether you’re mezcal-curious or already hooked, it’s time to talk facts and flavors. And you can be sure that Mulberry MAX Liquor Store is your go-to spot for a great selection of mezcal in Fort Collins.
Mezcal in the U.S.: Why we’re all drinking it
Mezcal has exploded in the U.S. market lately. In 2023, tequila and mezcal together sold a whopping 31.6 million nine‑liter cases. The global mezcal market hit about $1.14 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow 8-10% over the next decade. North America lapped up over 76% of that share.
Inside the category, joven mezcal — unaged or lightly aged — took roughly 71-78% of the revenue share in 2024. In Fort Collins, fans love it for mixing and sipping. It’s approachable, typically smoky (but not always) and full of possibility.
How mezcal is made and why it tastes like fire and soul
Mezcal distillers, usually in Oaxaca, use agave hearts — called piñas — that they roast in underground earthen pits to give the spirit the smoky flavor that has gained it such a rabid fan base. Humble palenques (the term for mezcal distilleries in Oaxaca) often use centuries-old methods.
After roasting the piñas the distillers crush the cooked agave — sometimes with a tahona stone wheel, sometimes by hand. Fermentation uses natural yeast from the air or sometimes even an agave beverage called pulque. Then it’s distilled in clay or copper stills, all leading to a spirit with amazing depth and nuance.
And about the smoke: It can be a roar or a whisper. More on that later.
Types of mezcal and what they taste like
There are three production categories: Mezcal (industrial-ish), Mezcal Artesanal, and Mezcal Ancestral. Ancestral is old-school — clay stills, pit ovens, animal‑skin fermentation. Artisanal allows copper stills. Regular Mezcal allows distillers to use modern equipment such as stainless steel fermentation tanks and continuous column stills.
Each style gives a slightly different texture or mouthfeel, but all are capable of producing superbly high-quality spirits.
What does mezcal taste like? It’s famous for its smokiness, but many of the most coveted expressions have beautiful, complex flavor profiles that include little to no smoke flavors. (Artisan distillers sometimes shave any burnt parts from the piña after roasting to minimize the smokiness.)
Depending on the agave used, you’ll find citrus, tropical fruit, herbs, earth, pepper, mineral and floral — depending on the agave and terroir.
Sometimes you’ll taste lavender or mint in floral expressions. Other times, you’ll sip mango or apricot in fruity batches. The flavor profiles in mezcal are wildly variable, but be sure of one thing: It feels like a place in a bottle.
Types of agave used: A wild, beautiful assortment
There are numerous agave types, to the point where it gets complicated. Here are but a few:
- Espadín is the workhorse, producing upwards of 80% of all mezcal. It’s smooth and citrusy.
- Tobalá, a wild agave, is earthy, minerally and often more expensive.
- Tepeztate brings spice and intensity.
- Cuishe can be vegetal and herbaceous.
- Cenizo and Mexicano can be floral, herbal or even slightly sweet.
Each agave variety offers a distinct personality, and the same agave can produce wildly different expressions in the hands of skilled distillers.
Aging: Not the most important element
And then there’s aging, which isn’t considered very important to mezcal production. Some enthusiasts, in fact, think it tends to mask the agave’s terroir. Regardless, here are the age categories, identical to those used in tequila production:
- Joven (blanco): Fresh, raw agave, bold and vegetal
- Reposado: Aged a few months in barrels; softer, a touch of oak
- Añejo: Aged for at least one year in barrels; deeper, sweeter, richer
Why mezcal is perfect for Fort Collins drinkers
Our Fort Collins shoppers love authenticity. They love craft. They love stories. Mezcal has all of that. It’s a handcrafted spirit, complex and fun in cocktails or neat. We keep seeing demand climbing.
At Mulberry MAX Liquor Store in Fort Collins, we carry a curated selection of mezcal. From joven blends to aged classics, we bring in bottles that reflect this spirit’s diversity and support responsible producers. Whether you’re starting your adventure or want a unique bottle for your shelf, we’ve got you covered.
Mezcal: Enjoy it neat or in cocktails
Want to add mezcal to your drink rotation? Here are a few ways:
- Margarita: Mezcal, lime, agave syrup, salts — delicious twist
- Oaxacan Old Fashioned: Blend mezcal and reposado tequila | bitters + orange peel
- Paloma: Grapefruit soda, mezcal, lime
One mixology tip: If your cocktail comes off too smoky, we’ll typically use 2 parts tequila to 1 part mezcal.
Or sip it neat. Use a small copita or snifter. Let it breathe. Taste the earthiness, the fruit, the herbs. Pair with tacos, grilled veggies, citrus ceviche, or even dark chocolate.
Shop mezcal in Fort Collins at Mulberry MAX
Ready to browse? Mulberry MAX Liquor Store is your home base for mezcal in Fort Collins. We stock bottles from traditional mezcaleros and newer small-batch craft brands. Here’s why locals shop with us:
- Great variety of espadín and other types
- Friendly advice and flavor tips
- Fair prices and occasional gems
- Experts who respect mezcal’s roots
Mezcal is more than just another spirit. It’s rich with heritage, diversity and bold flavor. It’s following is growing fast in the U.S., especially as people look for artisanal spirits with personality. In Fort Collins, mezcal is gaining fans — and we are here for it.
If you’re looking for great mezcal in Fort Collins, stop in at Mulberry MAX Liquor Store. We’ve got mezcal for beginners, enthusiasts and folks who just want something unique and cool.
Stay connected! Subscribe to our newsletter for news, new arrivals, and cocktail ideas. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for pics, tips and store updates.