Our Review Methodology: How We Rank Mezcal Tours
TL;DR: We rigorously analyze every tour, evaluate them using a standardized rubric, and rank based on quality and value — not advertising dollars. Our reviews are honest, detailed, and updated regularly.
Our 3-Step Review Process
Research
Identify top-rated tours on GetYourGuide, Viator, and TripAdvisor. Analyze 1,000+ verified reviews. Interview tour operators.
Verification & Local Intelligence
We verify details through our network of local partners in Oaxaca and cross-reference with deep-dive analysis of verified traveler feedback to ensure authenticity.
Ranking
We score each tour across 7 criteria (detailed below), then rank from best to worst. Rankings are objective, not influenced by commissions.
Our 7 Evaluation Criteria
Every tour is scored on a 100-point scale across these 7 categories. Our final ranking reflects total scores, but we also consider "fit" for different traveler types.
1. Authenticity of Distilleries (25 points)
25%What we evaluate: We verify if they visit real working palenques or tourist shops. Are the distilleries family-run or commercialized? Can you see actual production?
High Score (20-25): Visits 2-3 authentic family palenques with visible production
Low Score (0-10): Only visits gift shops or industrialized facilities
2. Educational Value (20 points)
20%What we evaluate: Does the guide explain production methods? Do you learn about agave varieties? Is there depth beyond "try this, it's smoky"?
High Score (16-20): Comprehensive education on agave, production, tasting techniques
Low Score (0-10): Minimal explanation, feels like a bar crawl
3. Guide Quality (15 points)
15%What we evaluate: Is the guide passionate and knowledgeable? Can they answer detailed questions? Do they facilitate connections with mezcaleros?
High Score (12-15): Expert guide with mezcal certification or family connections
Low Score (0-8): Guide reads from script, limited knowledge
4. Group Size & Experience (15 points)
15%What we evaluate: How many people? Can you interact with guides and mezcaleros? Is it intimate or crowded?
High Score (12-15): 6-12 people, intimate access to producers
Low Score (0-8): 20+ people, feels like a bus tour
5. Tastings Quality & Variety (10 points)
10%What we evaluate: How many mezcals do you taste? Are there rare varieties? Is it rushed or properly paced?
High Score (8-10): 8-13 tastings including rare wild agaves
Low Score (0-5): 3-5 basic tastings, all common varieties
6. Value for Money (10 points)
10%What we evaluate: Does the price match what you get? What's included (transportation, lunch, tastings)?
High Score (8-10): Exceptional value, everything included
Low Score (0-5): Overpriced for what's delivered
7. Verified Traveler Feedback (5 points)
5%What we evaluate: What do real travelers say? Are complaints consistent or isolated? How does the operator respond to issues?
High Score (4-5): 4.7+ rating, 200+ reviews, responsive operator
Low Score (0-2): Below 4.5 rating, repeated complaints
Total possible score: 100 points
- • 90-100: Outstanding (our #1 pick)
- • 80-89: Excellent
- • 70-79: Good
- • 60-69: Decent with caveats
- • Below 60: Not recommended
What We DON'T Do
❌ We Don't Accept Payment for Rankings
Tour operators cannot pay us to be featured, ranked higher, or remove negative reviews. Our rankings are based solely on our evaluation criteria.
❌ We Don't Recommend Tours We Haven't Vetted
If a tour isn't on our site, it's because it didn't pass our strict analysis — or we haven't verified it yet. We prioritize quality over quantity.
❌ We Don't Write "Puff Pieces"
Every review includes honest drawbacks. Even our #1 pick has cons. We tell you exactly who should skip each tour and why.
❌ We Don't Hide Our Business Model
We earn affiliate commissions when you book through our links. This is disclosed on every page. However, commission rates do NOT influence rankings. A tour with a 5% commission can rank higher than one with 10% if it's objectively better.
How We Handle Updates & Changes
Tours change. Guides leave. Quality shifts. Here's how we stay current:
- Annual Re-evaluation: We revisit our top 5 tours every year to confirm they still meet our standards.
- Continuous Monitoring: We track traveler reviews monthly. If a tour's rating drops significantly or multiple complaints arise, we investigate.
- Reader Feedback: When readers report issues (guide changes, itinerary changes, price increases), we follow up and update reviews if necessary.
- Last Updated Date: Every page shows the last review date. If a review is over 18 months old, we're re-evaluating it.
Changed your mind about a tour? Contact us with specifics. If quality has declined, we'll re-test and adjust rankings.
Full Affiliate Disclosure
How we make money: When you click "Check Availability" or "Book Now" and complete a purchase on GetYourGuide (our booking partner), we earn a small commission (typically 5-10% of the tour price).
What this means for you:
- You pay the same price (we don't mark up tours)
- Your booking experience is identical to booking directly
- You get GetYourGuide's customer protection and cancellation policies
What this means for our reviews:
- Rankings are based on quality, not commission rates
- We recommend tours we genuinely believe are best
- We only earn if you book — incentivizing honest recommendations
- Tour operators cannot pay to influence content or rankings
Our Promise to You
We promise to provide honest, thoroughly researched, and regularly updated recommendations to help you find the best mezcal experience for your trip.
If you ever feel our reviews are biased, outdated, or inaccurate, please let us know. We take our credibility seriously and will investigate any concerns.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Mezcal Tour?
Browse our carefully curated top 5 tours, ranked using the methodology above.
See Our Top Picks