Private 90 Minutes Agave Distilled Spirits Tasting in Mexico

If you’re heading to Puerto Vallarta and have a taste for spirits, this Private 90 Minutes Agave Distilled Spirits Tasting is one experience that might catch your eye. It promises a behind-the-scenes look at how some of Mexico’s most iconic drinks—tequila, mezcal, and raicilla—are crafted, paired with local food, and enjoyed in a relaxed, friendly setting. Our review covers what you can expect, the upsides and potential downsides, and whether this tour is a good fit for your trip.

What we really like about this experience is its focus on authenticity and education. You’ll get to taste a variety of spirits, from flavored tequilas to aged options, all while learning about traditional harvesting methods and modern techniques. Plus, the fact that everything is owned and operated by a local Puerto Vallarta family adds a personal touch that’s hard to beat. On the other hand, it’s worth noting that at $77 per person, it’s not the cheapest activity, especially considering the shorter duration of 1 hour 30 minutes. It’s best suited for those who genuinely want to explore Mexican spirits with a bit of fun mixed in, rather than just a quick tasting.

Key Points:
– Authentic and educational: Learn about traditional and modern tequila-making techniques.
– Food and spirits pairing: Enjoy thoughtfully selected snacks that complement each tasting.
– Private experience: Only your group participates, making it personalized.
– Expert guidance: Knowledgeable tour guides keep things informative and engaging.
– Flexible tasting options: You’ll sample multiple spirits including tequila, mezcal, and raicilla.
– Great for spirits enthusiasts: Especially those interested in the cultural stories behind the drinks.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This experience is essentially a journey through Mexico’s iconic agave spirits, hosted in a space dedicated solely to this purpose. It’s not a large, crowded group but a private session—perfect if you prefer a more intimate setting. The price of $77 per person reflects a comprehensive tasting that includes food pairings and a good variety of spirits, making it a solid value if you’re interested in spirits or cultural experiences.

Location & Accessibility: The meeting point is at Clandestina Raicilla, in Zona Romántica, within Puerto Vallarta’s lively downtown area. It’s accessible via public transportation and near other local attractions, so you can plan your day accordingly. The tour starts at 11:00am, giving you a morning glimpse into Mexican spirits, or a perfect way to kick off a day of exploring.

The Day of the Tour: What You Can Expect

Once you arrive, your host from Oscars Distillery will set the tone for a relaxed and informative session. Since it’s a private tour, your group size is limited, which means more personalized attention. The tasting begins with a flavored tequila, designed to awaken your palate, followed by a traditional Blanco tequila paired with fish ceviche. It’s a clever way to introduce you to the tasting notes while enjoying a light snack.

The tour then moves on to Reposado tequila, paired with a mini chicken enchilada. Here, your guide will explain the aging process, barrel types, and how Reposado differs from other types. Next, you’ll sample an aged tequila with a rich pairing of dark chocolate-covered strawberries. The final spirits include an Extra Aged tequila and two of the best-sellers flavored tequilas, rounded out with a tasting of mezcal and raicilla—adding some variety to the experience.

Throughout, your guide will share stories about the harvest methods, the history, and myths tied to these drinks. This educational aspect is especially appealing if you’re curious about how Mexico’s spirits are made and the cultural significance behind them.

The Food & Drink

One of the highlights is how food and drink are paired thoughtfully. From ceviche to chicken enchiladas, the snacks serve to enhance each sip, highlighting the flavors of the spirits. The pairing of dark chocolate strawberries and aged tequila is particularly memorable, showcasing Mexico’s love of combining sweet and smoky elements.

While you won’t find a huge variety of snacks, the quality and thoughtfulness of the pairings make this more than just a tasting—it’s an immersion in Mexican flavors.

The Spirits: Taste and Quality

You’ll taste a variety of spirits, starting from a flavored tequila to the aged and extra-aged options. The inclusion of mezcal and raicilla offers a broader perspective on agave spirits beyond tequila. Although the review doesn’t specify the exact brands or barrels used, the emphasis on traditional methods and local ownership suggests a focus on quality and authenticity.

Guests have appreciated the chance to taste a broad spectrum of flavors, from lightly flavored tequilas to richer, aged varieties. The expert explanations about how Reposado is aged and the process involved add depth to the tasting, making it educational rather than just indulgent.

Price & Value

At $77 per person, this experience isn’t the least expensive, but it’s not exorbitant either. Considering the inclusion of food pairings, multiple spirit tastings, and personalized guidance, it offers solid value—especially if you’re genuinely interested in Mexican spirits and culture.

However, keep in mind that the duration is about an hour and a half. If you’re expecting a lengthy, in-depth tour, this might feel a bit quick. But if your goal is a focused, high-quality tasting with a knowledgeable host, it hits the mark.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is most suited for spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers who want to learn about tequila and other agave spirits, or anyone interested in Mexican culture. It’s also great if you prefer private, personalized experiences over large group tours. If you’re traveling with someone who loves food and drink, this pairing of spirits and snacks will be a hit.

It’s not particularly family-friendly unless your older teenagers are interested in spirits, as it’s centered around alcohol tasting. And as always, those with sensitivities or who prefer non-alcohol experiences might want to pass.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, informative way to explore Mexico’s legendary spirits, this private tasting offers a nice blend of education and enjoyment. The setting, owned by a local family, adds authenticity and warmth that’s often missing from larger, more commercial experiences.

The tasting menu is well curated, with good food pairings that elevate each spirit. Plus, the opportunity to explore mezcal and raicilla broadens your appreciation of agave-based drinks. While the price might be a consideration for some, the personalized nature and quality of the experience make it worthwhile for those truly interested.

Overall, it’s a rewarding way to spend a morning or early afternoon in Puerto Vallarta—whether you’re a spirits novice or a seasoned enthusiast looking to deepen your knowledge.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get to taste multiple agave spirits—flavored tequila, Blanco, Reposado, aged, and extra-aged tequila—along with snacks and food pairings designed to complement each sip.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a personalized and intimate tasting session.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is Clandestina Raicilla in Zona Romántica, and the tour ends back at the same spot.

What time does the tour begin?
It starts at 11:00 am.

How long does the experience last?
The tasting lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there any food included?
Yes, there are four different food pairings, including ceviche, chicken enchiladas, strawberries with dark chocolate, and churros.

Is it suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
While specific restrictions aren’t mentioned, the food pairings are typical Mexican snacks, so if you have allergies or dietary needs, it’s best to inquire directly.

Are children allowed?
Since the tour is centered on alcohol tasting, it’s not typically suited for children, unless they are interested in the cultural aspect and are accompanied by adults.

If you love learning about local traditions, enjoy tasting spirits with a purpose, and want a relaxed, friendly environment, this tasting could be a highlight of your Puerto Vallarta trip. Just go in with an open mind and a love for Mexican flavors—you’ll likely leave with a new appreciation for the craft behind these iconic drinks.