One of our favorite activities to do while traveling is doing a tasting of the local spirits. We have really enjoyed incredible learning and tasting experiences at Nayara Tented Camp and Cala de Mar in Ixtapa. This time, at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, we decided to check out their Agave tasting, which took place in their dramatic, open air Copa Lounge in the main resort lobby area.

The set up for the tasting was prepared before we arrived, and there were a bunch of bottles and glasses on display. Our guide spoke okay English, but not nearly as good as at the tastings at the other resorts we’ve stayed. It was fine, though, since we already had a basic knowledge of tequila and mezcal spirits, although I can’t say we learned too much more than we learned at Cala de Mar. We did get to taste a whole bunch of different tequilas and mezcals, however.

Throughout the tasting, some little snacks were served, including an al pastor taco, which really went with the tequilas nicely. We found some new favorites, including the Montelobos Pechuga Mezcal and the Dobel Reposado Tequila.

This was a fine tasting, and a nice way to spend a pleasant evening at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, however we have definitely had better and more informative tastings in the past at other resorts, so if you are looking to dive deep into the history and process of making agave spirits, I would not recommend this tasting. On the other hand, if you are simply looking to taste through about 8-10 premium spirits, which is a nice way to compare and contrast as well as train your palate and figure out what you like, then this is a great way to spend an evening.