Mexico’s sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture, and all-inclusive resorts make it a top travel destination, but bourbon enthusiasts may find themselves disappointed by the limited or subpar bourbon selections at many resorts…as we found out through our frequent travels. Whether you’re craving a mixed sipper to enjoy by the pool or a robust whiskey for a nightcap, planning ahead ensures you won’t be stuck with lackluster options. Here’s a guide to bringing your own bourbon or finding quality bottles in Mexico.

Option 1: Bringing Your Own Bourbon
Bringing your favorite bourbon from home is often the easiest way to guarantee quality, but it requires navigating international travel regulations and making smart choices to avoid hassle.

Know the Customs Regulations
Mexico specifically allows travelers to bring up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages per person, duty-free, for personal consumption, provided you’re 19 or older (Mexico’s legal drinking age).

Pack Smart
Choose bottles within the 3-liter limit. For example, four 750ml bottles total 3 liters, perfect for a couple traveling together. Wrap bottles securely in bubble wrap or clothing and place them in checked luggage to prevent leaks. Another option would be to bring a “Travel Flight” in which case you could pack several of your favorite pours in smaller quantities to enjoy while abroad. We especially love this Bottle Flight from Aged & Ore.
Packing a small flask for day trips, pool lounging or beach sipping is another good tip.

Option 2: Finding Good Bourbon in Mexico
If bringing bourbon isn’t practical or you prefer to explore local options, Mexico has a growing whiskey scene, especially in major cities and tourist hubs. However, availability and pricing can vary, so here’s how to source quality bourbon.

Shop at Local Stores
Major cities like Mexico City, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos have liquor stores and supermarkets with decent bourbon selections.
• La Europea: This chain, found in cities like Mexico City, Cancún, and Playa del Carmen, stocks American bourbons like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and occasionally Buffalo Trace or Blanton’s. Prices are often 20-40% higher than in the U.S.
• Chedraui or Walmart: These supermarkets, common in tourist areas, carry budget-friendly options like Jim Beam White Label ($20-30) or Jack Daniel’s ($30-40). Premium selections like Woodford Reserve or Bulleit are hit-or-miss but worth checking.
• Duty-Free Shops: Airport duty-free stores in Mexico (e.g., Cancún International) often carry Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey 101, or Woodford Reserve at slightly better prices than local stores. Stock up on your way in or out, keeping the 3-liter import limit in mind.

Visit Bars or Restaurants
High-end restaurants and bars in tourist areas or cities often have better bourbon selections than resorts. Local Tip: Ask bartenders if they have “back-shelf” bottles not listed on the menu. Some venues stock limited-edition bourbons for enthusiasts but don’t advertise them.

Explore Local Alternatives
If bourbon is scarce, consider Mexican whiskeys or agave-based spirits that complement a bourbon lover’s palate.
• Mexican Whiskey: Brands like Sierra Norte ($30-40) produce corn-based whiskeys with bourbon-like sweetness, aged in oak for a familiar profile.
• Mezcal or Tequila: While not bourbon, smoky mezcals or aged tequilas (añejo or extra añejo) can satisfy a craving for complex, oak-driven flavors.

Option 3: Work with What’s Available at the Resort
If you’re stuck with the resort’s limited bourbon selection (often Jim Beam, Jack Daniel’s, or no-name brands), you can still elevate the experience.
• Cocktail Creativity: Use the resort’s bar to craft bourbon-based cocktails. A bourbon and ginger ale, bourbon margarita (substitute tequila for bourbon), or an Old Fashioned with fresh citrus can mask lower-quality whiskey. We had an Old Fashioned made with Zacapa Rum at TRS in Cancun, which was surprisingly good and satisfied the craving.
• Ask for Upgrades: Some all-inclusive resorts have premium bars or upcharge menus with better bourbons (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve). Inquire about these at check-in or with the concierge.
• Befriend the Bartender: A friendly chat and a small tip ($5-10) can sometimes unlock hidden bottles or better pours not offered to every guest.

Practical Considerations
• Pricing Expectations: Imported bourbon in Mexico is pricier due to taxes. A $30 bottle in the U.S. might cost $40-60 locally, so weigh the cost of bringing your own versus buying.
• Storage and Safety: Keep bottles in your room’s safe or locked luggage to avoid theft. At the resort, pour discreetly to respect local customs and avoid attention.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Public drinking outside resort areas may be frowned upon or restricted. Stick to private spaces or licensed venues.

Final Recommendations
For the best experience, combine strategies: bring one or two favorite bottles to cover your stay, and explore local stores or bars for variety. If you’re traveling to a major hub like Mexico City or Cancún, La Europea or duty-free shops are your best bet for finding recognizable bourbons. For remote resorts, rely on what you bring, and use cocktails to stretch limited options. Plan ahead, pack smart, and you’ll be sipping quality bourbon under the Mexican sun in no time.

Note: Always check the latest customs regulations before traveling, as rules can change.

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Greetings, bourbon sleuths! Grab your magnifying glass (or a Glencairn) and join us in this fun game to crack the Great Mashbill Mystery! Every bottle of bourbon hides a secret recipe—a mashbill of grains that gives it its soul. Is it the sweet swagger of corn, the spicy kick of rye, or the smooth charm of barley? Today, you get to play detective to uncover how these grainy characters shape your favorite pour. Ready to solve the case?

Meet the Suspects
Every mashbill is a conspiracy of grains, and our lineup is full of characters:
• Corn, the Sweet-Talking Ringleader: This grain dominates (at least 51% of the mix, by law) and brings the caramel, toffee, and vanilla vibes. It’s the smooth-talker that makes bourbon, well, bourbon.
• Rye, the Spicy Rebel: High-rye bourbons (15-35%) pack a peppery punch, with bold, zesty notes that demand attention. This grain’s got attitude!
• Barley, the Smooth Mediator: Malted barley adds nutty, biscuity depth, rounding out the gang with subtle finesse. Often the unsung hero at 5-15%.
• Wheat, the Soft-Spoken Guest Star (optional): Found in wheated bourbons, this grain slips in creamy, velvety sweetness, like a whisper of honeyed charm.

The Crime Scene: Flavor Profiles
Each mashbill creates a distinct flavor heist. High-rye bourbons, like Bulleit, hit with spicy swagger—think black pepper and cinnamon. Wheated bourbons, like Maker’s Mark, seduce with soft, dessert-like notes. Classic high-corn recipes, like Jim Beam, deliver that warm, caramel hug. But can you crack the code by taste alone?

Your Mission: The Blind Tasting Challenge
Put your detective skills to the test! Grab a bourbon from your shelf and sip slowly. Is it:
• Suspect A: Bold and spicy, with a peppery bite? (High-rye vibes!)
• Suspect B: Smooth and sweet, with creamy vanilla? (Wheated, perhaps?)
• Suspect C: Rich caramel and oak, a classic crowd-pleaser? (High-corn standard!)

Find Your Bourbon Soulmate
Which mashbill is your partner in crime?

Closing Shot
The mashbill mystery is what makes bourbon endlessly fascinating—one sip can tell a story. So, pour a dram, channel your inner Sherlock, and let us know how you’re cracking the case. Got a favorite bourbon or mashbill tip? Email us back.

Until next time, keep sipping and sleuthing!
Cheers,
The WB Team