Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting

Reviewed · TEQUILA, MEZCAL & RAICILLA TASTINGS

Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting

4.5 · 15 reviews 1 hour (approx.) From $20 Operated by Gray Line Puerto Vallarta · Bookable on Viator
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Three agave spirits in one Downtown hour. I like the fact that this is a small-batch agave-house tasting and it’s set in the downtown zone near the Malecón, so you can stack it with an easy walking day.

You’ll learn the process behind tequila, mezcal, and raicilla, plus the traditional way of drinking them, all in English.

My only caution: timing and pours can vary. A couple of people found the session very short (around 20 minutes) or felt they didn’t get enough raicilla/mezcal, so if those are your top priorities, go in with clear expectations.

Key things to know before you go

Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting - Key things to know before you go

  • Single-stop format near the Malecón at Noble Corazon by Saite Casa Agavera
  • Tequila, mezcal, and raicilla tasting included for a budget-friendly $20
  • Small group limit (max 15), which usually makes questions easier
  • English service plus a mobile ticket you can keep on your phone
  • Time may feel tight, since the tour is listed at about 1 hour
  • Ask for what you came for if raicilla and mezcal are non-negotiable for you

A Downtown Tequila Stop That Fits Real Plans

This is the kind of activity that works when you want flavor and practicality. You’re not commuting all over town, and you’re not stuck waiting for a van to fill up. Instead, the tasting is based downtown, close to the Malecón area where you can easily wander before or after.

The venue is Noble Corazon by Saite Casa Agavera, and it’s positioned near the famous boardwalk with arts and crafts. That matters more than it sounds. When an experience lands in a walkable spot, you spend less time figuring out logistics and more time enjoying the actual day.

Another pour of agave, taken slowly

Price and What $20 Buys You (and What It Might Not)

Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting - Price and What $20 Buys You (and What It Might Not)
At $20 per person for an adult tasting, the value is solid—especially because you’re paying specifically for alcoholic beverages tasting (tequila, mezcal, raicilla) rather than a broad tour with unknown add-ons.

Still, you should calibrate expectations around how long the tasting lasts. The schedule lists about 1 hour, but the experience can feel short in practice. If you’re the type who likes detailed explanations with hands-on visuals, you may want to mentally plan for a fast-paced tasting and keep your questions ready.

Also note what isn’t included: no lunch and no soda/pop. So don’t treat it like a meal plan. If you want food, eat beforehand or plan a snack stop right after. Alcohol can hit harder when your stomach is empty, even when you feel like you’re only having small tastes.

Getting There: Noble Corazon by Saite Casa Agavera

Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting - Getting There: Noble Corazon by Saite Casa Agavera
The meeting point is C. Guadalupe Sánchez 908, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. From there, you’re set up to tap into the downtown rhythm quickly.

Because the location is near the Malecón, you can time this around sunset or an evening walk. You can also pair it with low-stress browsing—arts and crafts nearby make it easy to fill the gaps if you arrive a little early.

The tour also runs with mobile tickets and confirmation at booking, which helps when you’re juggling other reservations. And since it’s near public transportation, it’s not locked to people using taxis.

Inside the Tasting: Tequila, Mezcal, and Raicilla

Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting - Inside the Tasting: Tequila, Mezcal, and Raicilla
This experience is built around tasting three iconic agave spirits: tequila, mezcal, and raicilla. That’s the headline, and it’s the reason most people will book.

What you can expect from the flow:

  • You’ll taste the different spirits in a structured way rather than random sips.
  • You’ll get an explanation of the process of making them.
  • You’ll learn the traditional way of drinking them, which can help you taste more consciously instead of just sampling blindly.

One thing to keep in mind: not every session is guaranteed to feel identical in the glass. I’d take the drink selection seriously when you book, especially if raicilla or mezcal is your must-have. A couple of people said they didn’t feel those were sufficiently present, so it’s smart to ask upfront what pours are included in your session.

On the positive side, the tequila quality seems to be a strong point. Some people described it as smooth and delicious, and that’s the kind of finish that can turn a quick tasting into a purchase-worthy bottle.

The Guide Moment: When the Right Host Makes It Worth It

Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting - The Guide Moment: When the Right Host Makes It Worth It
The experience size is capped at 15 travelers, which helps the host keep things interactive. When a guide can speak to a small group, the tasting usually feels more like a conversation and less like a lecture.

One guide name that shows up strongly is Steve. People who had him described the session as fun and informative, with tequila that stayed smooth. If you end up with a host like that, you’ll likely get more value out of the explanations—especially if you care about how the spirits differ.

If you’re the type who likes to ask questions, this is a good format for it. The tasting is short enough that you’ll be tempted to hold questions, so write down what matters to you (sweet vs. dry profile, agave-forward flavor, how they differentiate the drinks), then ask early.

Traditional Drinking: Why This Part Actually Matters

Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting - Traditional Drinking: Why This Part Actually Matters
Tasting alcohol is easy. Tasting well is a different skill. That’s why this portion of the experience is useful. Learning the traditional way of drinking can change how you experience aroma, texture, and heat.

Even if you’re not a tequila person today, you’ll likely learn something practical:

  • What to notice first (nose/aroma versus taste)
  • How to pace your sips
  • How the different spirits are meant to be evaluated

This is also where the explanation of production helps. When you understand the basic process, you stop judging a spirit as a random beverage and start recognizing the flavor logic. That’s when tastings become repeatable at home.

The Sweetness Factor and the Buy Pressure Question

Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting - The Sweetness Factor and the Buy Pressure Question
Here’s the part you should plan for: not all tequila tastes the same, and not all tastings feel neutral.

I saw two themes in feedback:

  • Some people described certain tequila pours as sickly sweet flavored.
  • One person felt a bit of pressure to buy.

Neither of those has to ruin the experience, but they are real enough to mention. If you prefer a drier, more agave-driven taste, speak up during the tasting. If the host recommends purchases, you can politely steer it back to tasting and learning—no need to commit on the spot.

A good tactic: treat the tasting as your assessment phase. If you love one bottle, you can buy it later with a clear head. If you don’t, you’re already paying $20 for the tasting value, not for retail therapy.

How Long Will It Really Take?

Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting - How Long Will It Really Take?
The tour is listed at about 1 hour and includes a stop at the agave house. But some people reported a much shorter experience, closer to 20 minutes, even with multiple drinks.

So what should you do with that information?

  • Keep your next plan flexible.
  • Don’t schedule a hard reservation right after.
  • Expect a fast-paced format, especially if you’re in a small group and the host wants to keep things moving.

If you’re hoping for a slow, classroom-style lesson, you might feel rushed. If you want a focused tasting where you learn the basics and walk away with bottle ideas, this is more likely to hit the mark.

What This Tour Is Best For

I’d point this tasting toward three types of people:

1) Agave-curious first-timers who want tequila, mezcal, and raicilla in one place without overthinking it.

2) Budget-minded drink fans who want included alcohol tasting for $20, with no extra meal requirements.

3) Downtown explorers who like mixing culture and food-and-drink stops in a walkable area near the Malecón.

It’s also a decent pick if your group is small or mixed. The group cap (max 15) keeps it manageable, and the experience is offered in English.

If you’re a hardcore spirit nerd chasing very specific expressions, you’ll still enjoy the basics, but you may want a longer, more detailed production tour elsewhere. This one is a short tasting experience with learning mixed in.

Weather and Practical Reality

The experience notes that it requires good weather. Even if the tasting itself is inside, timing and access can still be affected by conditions.

My practical advice: plan it for a day when you already want to be downtown. That way, if anything shifts due to weather, you’re not stuck far from good Plan B options.

Should You Book This Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tasting?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, downtown agave tasting at a fair price, and if tequila, mezcal, and raicilla are all on your list. The small group size and the included tasting make it an easy add-on to a day in Puerto Vallarta.

I’d be cautious if:

  • raicilla and mezcal are your top priorities and you hate any chance of missing them,
  • you’re hoping for a deep production lesson with lots of visuals,
  • you dislike tastings that push toward buying bottles.

If that’s you, I’d message or ask the host before you start: which exact spirits you’ll taste today, and how much time you’ll have for questions. With that clarity, this can be a fun, useful introduction to Mexico’s agave spirits—right where you can keep walking after the last sip.

FAQ

How long is the Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla tasting?

It runs for about 1 hour.

How much does it cost?

The price is $20.00 per person.

What spirits are included?

The tasting includes tequila, mezcal, and raicilla.

Is food included?

No. There is no lunch or food included, and soda/pop is also not included.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is C. Guadalupe Sánchez 908, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and the tour ends back at the same location.

Is it in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English, and it uses a mobile ticket.