What we stock and what to recommend.
Back bar selections
- Del Maguey Vida (well, $1.85/oz) — entry point. Smoky, accessible.
- Banhez Joven ($2.10/oz) — cleaner, fruitier, gateway for the mezcal-curious.
- Del Maguey Chichicapa ($3.20/oz) — single-village. Distinct minerality.
- Vago Elote ($3.80/oz) — corn-infused. Specialty pour.
- Available as a substitution in any tequila drink (especially the Margarita)
- Mezcal Negroni (off-menu, popular request)
How to recommend
"Mezcal is smoky tequila. If you love smoky whiskies — Islay scotch, smoky bourbons — you'll love mezcal. If you don't, start with Banhez Joven, the lightest smoke."
The vegetal note
If a guest says "mezcal tastes weird," it's usually the vegetal back palate they're noticing. That's the agave. It's a feature, not a bug. Suggest a smaller pour or a fruitier expression to ease them in.
Tags: mezcal, spirit, back-bar