If you like flavor tests, this one is fun. A private tequila and mezcal tasting in Tulum turns drinks into a real lesson, led by Juan Carlos Aceves. I like that you taste 6 spirits (3 tequila, 3 mezcal) instead of getting a quick pour and a goodbye.

Two things I especially like: the pairing snacks go beyond chips, and the session includes a certificate plus a step-by-step guide. One caution: the meeting spot is a bit off the main downtown area, so you’ll want a plan for getting back after tasting.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• 6 guided tastings: 3 tequilas and 3 mezcals, set up for side-by-side comparison
• Snacks that match the drinks: fruits, cheese, plus bold add-ons like grasshoppers and crickets
• Instruction you can use later: you get a certificate and a step-by-step guide
• English private session: mobile ticket, only your group, and a 2-hour format
• Meet in La Veleta, not the center: plan for a taxi on the way back

Entering The Tasting at 6:00 pm in Tulum

Tulum nights have a way of slowing down, and a 6:00 pm tasting fits that mood well. You get a set start time, about 2 hours total, and the pacing usually feels more like a guided hangout than a rushed bar stop.

This isn’t just about drinking. The format is built around comparison—how agave changes from tequila to mezcal, and how different bottles can taste and smell distinct even when you think they should be similar. That’s the real value: you’re not only sampling; you’re learning what to notice next time you order.

Juan Carlos Aceves: A Real-World Tequila Story in Plain Language

The host for this experience is Juan Carlos Aceves, described as certified through the European Bartender School in New York, and also as a tequilier by Jose Cuervo. That matters because tequila and mezcal can get talked about in vague hype. Here, the goal is to connect what you smell and taste with how the spirit is made.

In practice, you’ll be guided through what makes each drink different. You should expect discussion around flavor profiles, production methods, and how to taste in a way that reduces guessing. One review also mentions the host as Sam or Jaun, which suggests the same person is sometimes referred to by a nickname. Either way, the thread is consistent: the host brings real passion and a teaching mindset.

The Core Experience: 3 Tequilas, 3 Mezcals, Paired for Contrast

Here’s the main event. You’ll enjoy 3 artesanal tequilas and 3 mezcal, with snacks served to pair with each round. Instead of treating bottles as random sips, the session helps you compare the character of each spirit.

Tequila: what you’ll be looking for

You’ll taste multiple tequilas, which is important because tequila isn’t one single flavor. Depending on the specific bottles, you may notice differences in aroma and how it hits the palate. The teaching style is meant to get you thinking about taste like a system, not like a yes-or-no verdict.

Mezcal: why it can feel worlds apart

Mezcal tends to catch people’s attention quickly. Even if you already like it, tasting different expressions back to back helps you separate what you enjoy from what you simply assume is mezcal’s default taste. The point is to learn to describe it—so your next purchase is easier and more confident.

The paired setup: snacks as a tasting tool

The experience includes snacks specifically to support the tasting. Fruits, cheese, grasshoppers, and crickets show up as part of the pairing. This is not just to be adventurous. Salty and fatty foods (like cheese), sweet notes (like fruit), and crunchy texture can change how a sip reads on your tongue. That makes your tasting more accurate.

Snacks You Might Not Expect, and Why They Work

Grasshoppers and crickets are not typical “tour snack” fare, and that’s exactly why they’re memorable. They bring a savory crunch that can stand up to strong flavors in tequila and mezcal without turning the whole experience into sugar-and-candy.

You also get:

• Fruits to balance and reset between pours
• Cheese for fat and salt that smooth the burn and sharpen aromas
• Grasshoppers and crickets for that bold, textured pairing

If insects aren’t your thing, be aware the snacks are part of the experience structure. You might still enjoy the tasting even if you choose to eat less, but don’t expect the session to ignore the pairing plan.

How the Session Helps You Taste Better (Not Just More)

A big reason this experience scores so high is that it teaches you a repeatable tasting approach. Several details point in the same direction: you’ll use breathing methods and you’ll pair food with sips to get more out of each drink.

That matters because agave spirits can be intense. If you rush, everything can blur together. Breathing methods and guided tasting steps help you slow down your sensory input—smell first, sip second, then compare. The step-by-step guide and tasting attendance certificate are there to reinforce the lesson so it doesn’t disappear after the last pour.

You’ll also learn history and production basics along the way. The history angle is useful because it gives context to choices like bottle style and agave type. But the practical payoff is what you’ll do afterward: you’ll start noticing what makes one bottle feel smoother, smokier, brighter, or heavier.

Price and Value: What $50 Buys You in Tulum

At $50 per person for about 2 hours, this is priced for people who want more than a casual bar stop. You’re not just buying drinks. You’re buying:

• A private, English-led experience
• Six targeted tastings (3 tequila + 3 mezcal)
• Pairing snacks that aren’t the usual chips-and-dip
• A step-by-step guide and a tasting attendance certificate

For many travelers, the real value is learning. If you’re the type who likes to come home with better buying instincts—what to look for so you don’t regret your next tequila—it’s a good use of time in Tulum. You also get a structured format, so you leave with a sense of order: each sip had a reason.

Getting There: The Burke Brothers Cafe Meeting Point Reality

The meeting point is Burke Brothers Cafe, Avenida Guardianes Maya MZ50 Lote 4 LC1, C. 9 Pte. Esq, La Veleta, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Start time is 6:00 pm, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Here’s the practical part: La Veleta is not the middle of Tulum downtown. One review advice is clear—take a cab to the place, and keep the driver’s card or phone number so you can easily get back when the tasting is done. Once the tasting ends, you may find fewer cabs cruising by right at that spot.

Also note: the tour is near public transportation, so if you’re comfortable with local transit options, you’ve got a backup. But for a smooth night, a pre-arranged pickup or a taxi plan is the simplest move.

Who This Tasting Fits Best

This is ideal if you:

• Like tequila or mezcal and want to compare multiple options
• Want a structured experience instead of wandering into a random bar
• Enjoy food pairings and don’t mind bold snack choices
• Prefer a private setting where the guide can adapt to your questions

It’s also a solid option if you’re not a daily tequila person. One review mentioned that even non-tequila drinkers walked away with enough insight to know what to look for later, including how to reduce the chances of a rough hangover through smarter choices and pacing.

The One Thing to Plan Around: Weather and Timing

This experience requires good weather. If conditions don’t cooperate, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Since it’s set for the evening, that’s a normal risk in outdoor-friendly areas.

Timing is also a factor. It runs about 2 hours, starting at 6:00 pm. If you plan other late-night activities, leave buffer time so you’re not stressed about squeezing in one more dinner reservation.

Should You Book This Private Tequila and Mezcal Session?

If you want a fun, structured tasting that helps you understand what you like (instead of just tasting to taste), I’d book it. Juan Carlos Aceves brings credentials that go beyond casual bar talk, and the format—3 tequilas, 3 mezcals, and pairing snacks—makes it feel worth the $50.

Skip it only if you’re uncomfortable with insects as part of the pairing, or if you hate the idea of a fixed meeting point that’s a cab ride away from the busiest downtown areas.

FAQ

How long is the tequila and mezcal tasting in Tulum?

It runs for approximately 2 hours.

What time does the tasting start?

The start time is 6:00 pm.

What’s included in the tasting?

You’ll get 3 artesanal tequilas and 3 mezcal, plus pairing snacks like fruits, grasshoppers, cheese, and crickets. You also receive a tasting attendance certificate and a step-by-step guide, and the experience is offered in English.

Is this experience private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Burke Brothers Cafe, Avenida Guardianes Maya MZ50 Lote 4 LC1, C. 9 Pte. Esq, La Veleta, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico.

Do I get a guide in English?

Yes. English is listed as the language.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.