Mexico's best-known spirits come from the agave plant, and a guided tasting is the easiest way to understand how different they can be. This experience in La Paz walks you through a flight of tequilas and mezcals, with food pairings and the stories behind each bottle. You learn the basics that most visitors never pick up from a bar menu: tequila is made from a single type of agave and is usually cooked in ovens, while mezcal can be made from many kinds of agave and is traditionally roasted in earth pits, which gives it its characteristic smoky character. Along the way you compare white, rested and aged styles, discover how aroma and finish change from one bottle to the next and find out how to drink them the Mexican way, in small sips rather than shots. The session is aimed at curious drinkers rather than experts, so no knowledge is needed, and the relaxed format makes it a sociable way to spend an evening in town.
How it works
You arrive at the venue, take a seat and are guided by a host through a series of small pours, each paired with a bite designed to bring out different flavours. The host explains how the spirit is made, how to read a label, what the words joven, reposado and añejo mean and how to tell a well-made spirit from a mass-produced one. Check the tour details for the number of pours, the food included, the length of the session and the meeting point, since formats vary and can change.
What you will learn
Tequila and mezcal are often confused, but they differ in their raw material, cooking method and flavour. You will taste spirits with a clean, bright agave character beside others with smoke, earth and fruit, and the host can help you find the style you like best. Pairings might include fruit, salty snacks, chocolate or other regional bites, and the combination often changes how you experience the spirit. Expect plenty of conversation and a chance to ask questions.
Good to know
The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, and the operator may have its own age rules, so check before you book. Drink slowly, eat what is served and drink water between pours, because agave spirits can be strong. If you are travelling with friends who do not drink alcohol, ask whether there are alternatives, and keep in mind that this is an evening best taken after, not before, an early boat day. Do not plan to drive afterwards, and use a taxi or walk back to your hotel.
Making the most of it
Tell the host what you normally drink so they can steer you toward flavours you may enjoy, and take notes or photos of the labels of the bottles you like. Smaller bottles of spirits are easy to buy locally, but check airline and customs allowances before you pack them for the trip home.
Plan around it
It is a pleasant counterpart to the street food tour for an evening focused on flavour, or a calm end to a day on the water. Book early in busy winter weeks and let the operator know about dietary needs, since the pairings often include cheese, nuts or seafood. It works equally well as a couples' evening or a gathering of friends, and gives you a deeper appreciation of what is in the glass when you order a drink at a bar.
What to expect
The experience
A hosted flight of tequilas and mezcals with food pairings and a short introduction to how each spirit is made.
Best time
An evening session, ideally after an active day rather than before an early boat trip.
How long
Around one and a half to two hours, depending on the format.
Tips
Eat beforehand if you can, drink water between pours, check the age rules and arrange a taxi or walk back to your hotel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious adults who want to learn the difference between tequila and mezcal in a relaxed setting.
- Families
- Mainly for adults, so check age rules with the operator and plan a different activity for children.
- Couples
- A flavour-focused evening that pairs naturally with dinner on the Malecón.
- Pair with
- A street food tour, a Malecón sunset or a quiet day at the museums.
- Time needed
- About two hours, plus time to walk back to your hotel.
Good questions
What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?+
Tequila is made from a single type of agave and is usually cooked in ovens, while mezcal can be made from many agaves and is traditionally roasted in earth pits, which gives it a smokier character.
Do I need to know anything about spirits?+
No, the session is built for beginners as well as enthusiasts, and the host guides you through what to look for in each pour.
Is food included?+
The experience is described as a tasting and pairing, so food is part of it, but the exact portions vary. Read the tour details and tell the operator about dietary needs.
Is there an age limit?+
The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, and operators may set their own rules. Check before you book if anyone in your group is young.
Can I buy bottles afterwards?+
Often there is an option to buy, but check with the host. Remember to check airline and customs allowances before packing spirits for the trip home.
