mezcalstyle

Mezcalstyle is a term used in contemporary discussions of mezcal to describe a particular stylistic approach within the spirit’s production, presentation, or tasting. It is not an official category, and definitions vary among writers, critics, and producers.

In production-focused usage, mezcalstyle often refers to mezcal that foregrounds traditional methods: pit roasting of agave, stone grinding, natural fermentation, and distillation in copper or clay stills. Proponents associate this style with pronounced smokiness, roasted-agave character, and a rustic or artisanal texture.

In tasting and branding contexts, mezcalstyle can denote a terroir- or lineage-driven emphasis—highlighting regional agave varieties and the influence of the production site. Bottles described as mezcalstyle may pair narratives about land and traditional practices with tasting notes that stress smoke, earth, minerals, and the interplay of sweetness and a drying finish.

Because there is no universal definition, the term can be ambiguous. Readers should rely on the specific source to interpret what the author means by mezcalstyle, and consider it alongside established terms such as joven, reposado, and añejo, as well as regional classifications. Critics also note that the lack of a standardized meaning can lead to vagueness or marketing-driven interpretation.

See also: Mezcal, Tequila, Espadín, Mezcalero, Terroir.