Casamigos Mezcal Review & Tasting Notes (2023 Updated)
Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Lydia Martin
With so many Mezcals and tequilas available in the market– from the popular to average ones, have you tried the Casamigos Mezcal?
For fans of George Clooney, you’ve probably emptied several bottles of Casamigos since it was launched. But for serious tequila lovers, what do you think of this spirit?
If you have yet to try this bottle, here’s our Casamigos Mezcal review.
Casamigos Mezcal In-Depth Review
Casamigos is a sweet Mezcal. It tends to be overly smooth (for some), with a good amount of tobacco hints, creating an easy tequila drink.
Besides, it’s low in proof, so it doesn’t overwhelm.
The tasting notes aren’t that smoky, and the smoothness balances the profile, making for a good and satisfying experience.
We like how it blends with mixed drinks, like in a Margarita cocktail or juice.
However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you’ll likely skip this one, though it’s not that high-priced compared to premium ones.
Quick Facts
| Distillery & Owner | Casamigos |
| Classification & Region | Mezcal Joven/Mexico |
| Alcohol Proof | 80 |
| Mash Bill | 100% Espadin agaves |
| Age Statement | Unaged |
| Color | Crystal clear |
| Rating | 4-Stars |
| Average Price | $60 (MSRP) |
What’s Casamigos Mezcal?
Casamigos Mezcal gets its flavor profile from traditional methods.
Expressions from Casamigos is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave plants, but they use two different Agave varieties, depending on the type of tequila, like:
- Casamigos Joven (unaged Mezcal, no oak barrel interaction) – made from 100% Agave Espadin, an older Agave variety
- Casamigos Reposado – 100% Agave azul
- Casamigos Blanco – Another Mezcal made from 100% Agave Azul
- Casamigos Añejo – 100% Agave azul
The agave hearts are split to be cooked underground for up to six days.
Then, the distillery crushed and fermented for up to 8 days in copper pot stills and later double-distilled and bottled at 80-proof (or 40% ABV).
Just a quick note: Tequila and Mezcal [1] are crafted in a slightly similar way. However, tequila has to meet more requirements, while Mezcal is broader, with some legally specified varieties [2]. It’s the same as the principle of bourbon and whiskey; all tequila is Mezcal, but not all Mezcal is tequila.
Sneak Peek
History & Origin
Actor G. Clooney and Rande Gerber started the brand in 2010, produced in collaboration with the family, making Mezcal for five generations in Oaxaca, Mexico.
We’ve created a mezcal that is as good as our tequila. Casamigos Mezcal is uniquely smooth, easy to drink and smoked to perfection.”
— George Clooney & Rande Gerber, Founders
Soon after, the two decided to get a business license. After securing a license, the Casamigos Tequila Company was formed and started selling tequila to the public in 2014.
Packaging
The overall design is the same as other bottles. What’s different is the outer structure of the bottle, which is sand-blasted, rough, and opaque.
You can’t see the liquid inside, and drawback to some wanting to glimpse what they’re getting.
What Does Casamigos Mezcal Tastes Like?
Nose
Full of agave and citrus (more like lemon zest). We like the scent of smoke in this Mezcal as it’s soothing to the nose–not harsh.
Palate
On the palate, the agave notes linger from the nose. But this time, we taste some vanilla and lemon peel.
Finish
Unlike other tequilas, the smoky notes are really balanced by the sweetness and smoothness. The sweetness still lingers, but we’re surprised (in a good way) by the black pepper and citrus hints.
Our Thoughts
Neat
When sipped neat, it’s like the usual mezcal tequila spirits. But the sweetness, smoothness, and some smoky hints are really dominant.
Cocktail
Mixed with other beverages, it performs well, spicing up the drink. However, the smoke present in this spirit is toned down due to the other ingredients. You’ll find the flavor and smokiness lacking when mixed with other beverages.
On Ice
Among the serving options, we prefer this smooth Mezcal over ice. The dilution of ice doesn’t harm the overall profile of this tequila. Besides, it’s more refreshing than beer.
Why We Like It
- It’s smooth and an easy sip
- Suitable for any kind of party
- Great for beginners as it’s not overwhelming
- Best served over ice or neat
- This bottle of Mezcal is gluten-free
Drawbacks
- It tends to be overly sweet (for some).
- Low in proof (40% ABV)
- Not for making mixed beverages
- It’s quite pricey. You can find better alternatives at the same price range or lower.
The Rating On Casamigos Mezcal
We rate Casamigos Mezcal 4-Stars. It’s a premium quality brand, quite expensive (compared to other brands of the same category), but it suits ordinary to special occasions.
To Sip Or Skip?
Be it Casamigos Mezcal Joven, Reposado, Blanco, or Añejo, all spirits are worth it. You can drink tequila the usual way while savoring the good taste and balance of the spirits.
Particularly, the Joven Mezcal bottle is our favorite, but if you ask the second best– that would be Casamigos Blanco.
But for more options, here we recommend some good Mezcal from other brands:
More affordable options:
- Mezcal El Silencio, 43% ABV
- Santo Mezquila, 40% ABV
- Bozal Mezcal Ensamble, 47% ABV
Premium options:
- Mezcal Rey Campero Tepextate, 48.7% ABV
- Montelobos Tobalá, 48.6% ABV
- Ilegal Mezcal Anejo, 40% ABV
FAQs
How do you drink Casamigos Mezcal?
You can drink Mezcal neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. But if you want to mellow the sweetness without affecting the smoky note, then it’s best served on the rocks.
Is Casamigos Mezcal smooth?
Yes, Casamigos Mezcal is smooth, making it an easy sipper. You don’t always have to mix tequila with cocktails.
Is Casamigos Mezcal smoky?
Yes, Casamigos Mezcal has smoke notes, but it is not as intense as other tequila bottles like Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, Sombra Mezcal, and Creyente Mezcal.
Final Thoughts
Casamigos is a top-shelf spirit you can find in every bar or fine-dining restaurant. Its sweetness, smoothness, and smokiness make it a good sipping treat.
Despite its sweet character and a good amount of smokiness, we don’t recommend it as a good mixer. It’s better served over ice or straight.
If ever you get into the bar or liquor shop with your friends, this Mezcal is worth having a try.
References:
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2022.832532/full
- https://www.thedailymeal.com/history-mezcal
