Smell, sip, guess. Then learn fast. In San Miguel de Allende, this Mezcal Masterclass + Blind Tasting is taught by Alex Galina, an international sommelier & agave expert, with a clear structure: 45 minutes of guided tasting knowledge, then 45 minutes where you compare multiple mezcals blind. I love how Alex breaks down tasting the way a wine professional would, and I love the blind format because it trains your palate instead of just telling you what to like.

One possible consideration: you’re limited to 1 hour 30 minutes, so it’s not the kind of long, wandering night where you take your time across town. Also, the experience is offered in English, so plan around that if you want another language.

Key highlights at a glance

• Alex Galina leads the class, bringing both agave know-how and sommelier-style tasting technique
• Blind comparative tasting: 5 samples with differences tied to region, agave species, and process
• A tapas starter (3–4) keeps the tasting comfortable, not just all spirits
• Private format: only your group participates in the 90-minute session
• San Miguel de Allende, Zona Centro location: easy to reach and it ends where you start

Mezcal Masterclass + Blind Tasting: what you’re really paying for

This isn’t a quick sip-and-smile stop. You’re paying for two things that matter to most people when they want to learn: instruction, and practice.

First, the class portion sets the frame. Alex Galina helps you understand what to notice in mezcal, and how differences in agave species and production choices show up in the glass. The goal isn’t to turn you into a mezcal judge. It’s to help you taste with more confidence.

Second, you actually test that learning immediately with a blind comparative tasting. Instead of being told which one is better, you compare samples against each other and make your own call. That’s what makes this experience stick with you, because your brain gets trained to look for patterns—smoothness vs. bite, aroma intensity, smoke character, and other cues you can then repeat later on your own.

If you also like wine or tequila, you’re likely to appreciate the cross-over. The way people describe this class includes picking up tasting techniques they can reuse elsewhere, not just for mezcal.

Where you meet in Zona Centro (and how ICAVI fits in)

The session starts at Recreo 10A in Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende, and it ends back at the same meeting point. That matters more than you’d think. After an evening tasting, you don’t want to solve a mini navigation puzzle while you’re already lightly buzzed and hungry.

The tasting is run at the ICAVI Tasting Room. Even if you’ve never done anything like this in San Miguel, the setup is meant to feel friendly and focused—more like a guided room experience than a high-volume tour. You’re also in a private format, meaning only your group participates.

A few practical notes from the provided details:

• You’ll use a mobile ticket
• The activity is offered in English
• It’s scheduled on Tuesdays, with opening hours listed from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• It’s near public transportation
• Service animals are allowed

Timing tip: since it’s Tuesday-only (at least for this listing’s stated hours), plan your trip calendar first. Then book around the day, not the other way around.

Alex Galina’s 45 minutes: the masterclass that sets your tasting rules

The first half is a masterclass by Alex Galina, described as an international sommelier & agave expert. In plain terms, that means you’re getting a structured teaching session, not just someone pouring and chatting.

You’ll learn about top hand-craft mezcales, and you’ll be introduced to the main variables behind what you’re tasting. The big idea is that mezcal differences don’t come from random luck. They come from identifiable choices, like:

• what type of agave is used (different species)
• where the agave comes from (different regions)
• how the process shapes what ends up in the bottle (different processes)

Then comes the part that makes the masterclass feel useful later: the technique. Multiple people highlight that they came away with a better understanding of mezcal, and also picked up tasting approaches that overlap with other spirits and even wine. Think of it like learning a checklist for what to look for—aroma, taste progression, intensity, and style differences—so you can make sense of what you’re experiencing instead of guessing randomly.

If you’re new to mezcal, this kind of coaching helps you stop staring at the menu and start tasting with a plan. If you already like tequila or wine, you’ll likely enjoy hearing how mezcal fits into the broader world of alcohol tasting technique.

The blind comparative tasting: how 5 samples train your palate

The second half is where this experience earns its name. You move into a blind comparative tasting for about 45 minutes.

You’ll taste five different mezcales that represent different regions, different agave species, and different process styles. The important word here is comparative. Blind tasting isn’t just about guessing what’s in the glass. It’s about comparing samples back-to-back and noticing what changes—and what stays consistent.

Here’s the practical value for you:

• You stop relying on labels, marketing, or your first impression.
• You learn how to articulate what you taste.
• You build a personal sense of style—what you genuinely prefer and why.

How should you approach it? Bring your brain to the task, not just your enthusiasm. Take quick notes in whatever way you like (phone notes are fine). Even a few simple phrases—more smoke, brighter aroma, heavier mouthfeel—help you connect the dots.

Also, be ready for your preferences to shift. Blind tastings often surprise people. If you go in expecting one style to win automatically, you may miss the real lesson: the comparison is the whole point.

And because this comes right after the masterclass, you’ll feel the learning click in real time. It’s like practice right after instruction, which is a big reason this is rated so highly.

Tapas starter (3–4): why food matters for mezcal tasting

Before you start focusing hard on the spirits, you get a starter of 3–4 tapas. That’s not just a perk. Food changes how alcohol reads on your palate.

In a guided tasting, an empty stomach can make flavors seem harsher and make it harder to tell the difference between “aggressive” and “just different.” Small bites help keep the experience comfortable, and they let you keep tasting without feeling like you’re powering through.

Also, for groups (including families), the tapas can make the whole evening feel more natural. You’re not just sitting there waiting for the next pour. You’re having something to settle in, and it’s easier to participate in the conversation part of the class.

Don’t stress about the exact flavors of the tapas since they’re only listed as 3–4 items, not a specific menu here. What matters is that you’re given food as part of the pacing.

Price and value: is $125 for 90 minutes fair?

The price is listed at $125.00 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes. On paper, that can look high if you compare it to a casual bar stop. But the value becomes clearer once you break down what’s included.

You’re not just buying drinks. You’re buying:

• a guided 45-minute masterclass with Alex Galina
• tasting five different mezcals in a blind comparative format
• 3–4 tapas to keep the tasting comfortable
• a private session where only your group participates
• an English-language format with a clear structure (not a free-for-all)

So the real question isn’t whether mezcal costs $125. It’s whether this kind of learning and tasting setup is worth it to you. If you want more than sampling—if you want to understand why mezcals differ and train your ability to taste—this price can feel reasonable for what you get.

One more value angle: the blind format is the expensive part in terms of effort. Someone has to orchestrate the tastings so you can compare reliably. You’re paying for that care.

Booking note: it’s listed as booked on average 21 days in advance, which is a decent hint that popular days can fill. If you’re traveling in peak season, lock it in early.

Logistics that make the experience easier (without making it feel like a chore)

A few details are quietly helpful here:

• It’s a private tour/activity, so you’re not competing for space or attention.
• It’s near public transportation, so you’re not forced into a car plan.
• It allows service animals.
• It uses a mobile ticket, which reduces the hassle of printouts.

Because the experience ends back at the meeting point, you don’t have to worry about getting stranded across town at night. That matters in San Miguel, where it’s easy to make your evening complicated with just one extra step.

The other practical thing is the day and time window. It’s Tuesday, and the opening hours listed run from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Since the experience is 90 minutes, this is a good slot for an early-to-mid evening, especially if you still want dinner after.

Who should book this mezcal class (and who might skip it)

This experience fits best if you:

• want a learning-focused mezcal tasting, not just a nightlife activity
• enjoy structured tasting formats like wine tastings
• like the idea of blind comparison to sharpen what you notice
• are traveling as a small group (since it’s private)

Families often do well with this kind of guided session because you can learn together without everyone splitting up. Couples also tend to like it when one person is the “let’s do the class” type and the other is the “I want to taste things and feel smarter after” type. The shared structure helps.

Who might skip it? If you’re looking for a long evening wandering from bar to bar with zero instruction, this isn’t that. You’re in a set 90-minute format with a defined plan. It’s built for tasting and learning.

Should you book this Mezcal Masterclass + Blind Tasting in San Miguel?

I’d book it if you want real tasting skills, not just a souvenir drink. The combination of Alex Galina’s guided masterclass and the blind comparative tasting of five mezcals is a strong match for people who care about understanding the differences between styles—region, agave species, and process—so they can enjoy mezcal more later.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my simple decision rule: if you’re the type who likes tasting technique (wine, tequila, spirits), you’ll probably have a great time. If you only want a quick sip experience and you’re allergic to structured learning, you may find it too focused.

Either way, because it’s popular enough to book about three weeks ahead on average, I’d secure your spot early once you’ve confirmed you can do a Tuesday.

FAQ

How long is the mezcal masterclass and blind tasting?

It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes total, with 45 minutes for the masterclass and about 45 minutes for the blind comparative tasting.

What is included in the experience?

You get a masterclass and tasting of top hand-craft mezcales, plus a blind comparative tasting of 5 different mezcales. There is also a starter of 3–4 tapas.

How many mezcals do you taste during the blind tasting?

You taste 5 different mezcals, representing different regions / different agave species / different process styles.

Who teaches the masterclass?

The masterclass is taught by Alex Galina, described as an international sommelier & agave expert.

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Where does the experience start and end?

It starts at Recreo 10A, Zona Centro, San Miguel de Allende, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour or shared group?

It is private, and only your group will participate.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.