Mezcal and Chocolate Pairing, Puerto Viejo

From agave fields to cacao forests: a tasting experience inspired by the flavors of Mesoamerica.

Discover Two Ancient Traditions

Few pairings feel as natural as mezcal and chocolate.

Both begin as plants deeply rooted in the landscapes of Mexico and Mesoamerica. Both are transformed through time, fermentation, fire, and craftsmanship. And both reveal remarkable complexity when we slow down and pay attention.

At Cacao Huasi, our Mezcal & Chocolate Pairing Experience invites you to explore the relationship between artisanal mezcal and craft chocolate through guided tasting, storytelling, and sensory exploration.

Together we'll taste a selection of 3 traditional mezcals alongside carefully chosen chocolates, learning how smoke, fruit, spice, earth, flowers, and fermentation interact across both worlds.

Whether you're completely new to mezcal or already a passionate enthusiast, this experience offers a unique way to deepen your appreciation of flavor.

What You'll Experience

A Guided Mezcal Tasting

Learn what makes mezcal different from tequila, how different agave varieties influence flavor, and why traditional production methods matter.

We'll explore:

  • Agave varieties and terroir

  • Roasting, fermentation, and distillation

  • Traditional mezcal-making regions

  • Flavor profiles from bright and herbal to earthy and smoky

Craft Chocolate Exploration

Discover how cacao origin, genetics, fermentation, roasting, and chocolate-making techniques shape flavor.

We'll discuss:

  • Tree-to-bar chocolate

  • Fermented and unfermented cacao

  • Flavor wheels and tasting techniques

  • The role of origin and processing

Pairing 

Taste 3 combinations of mezcal and chocolate while exploring how flavors influence one another.

You may discover pairings such as:

  • Fruity mezcal with bright tropical chocolate

  • Herbal mezcal with floral cacao

  • Smoky mezcal with roasted nibs

  • Earthy mezcal with deep dark chocolate

  • Savory agave expressions alongside unfermented cacao

There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is curiosity, exploration, and discovering what speaks to your own palate.

Mezcal and Chocolate Pairings take place each day (NOT Tuesday) at 4:30pm at Cacao Huasi, we strongly recommend booking in advance. The experience takes about 1 hour and is priced at 16,000 colones.

Why Mezcal and Chocolate Work So Well Together

Both mezcal and chocolate are products of fermentation.

Both express the landscapes where they are grown.

Both contain extraordinary aromatic complexity that often includes notes of fruit, flowers, nuts, spices, earth, herbs, smoke, and honey.

When tasted together, they reveal aspects of one another that might otherwise go unnoticed.

A sip of mezcal can make hidden fruit notes in chocolate suddenly appear. A piece of chocolate can soften a mezcal's intensity and reveal sweetness, flowers, or mineral character beneath the smoke.

The experience becomes a conversation between two traditional crafts.

Who Is This Experience For?

  • Curious travelers

  • Chocolate lovers

  • Mezcal enthusiasts

  • Food and drink explorers

  • Couples and friends looking for a unique tasting experience

  • Anyone interested in traditional food cultures and artisanal production

No previous tasting experience is required.

At Cacao Huasi

Our tastings are relaxed, welcoming, and conversational.

We focus on understanding where flavors come from, the people who produce them, and the traditions that shape them.

Come explore two remarkable crafts, one sip and one bite at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mezcal?

Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit made from agave. Different agave varieties, production methods, and regions create a remarkable range of flavors, from bright and herbal to earthy, fruity, mineral, and smoky.

What's the difference between mezcal and tequila?

Tequila is a type of agave spirit made exclusively from Blue Weber agave. Mezcal can be made from many different agave varieties and is often produced using traditional artisanal methods, resulting in a wider range of flavors and aromas.

Do I need previous tasting experience?

Not at all. This experience is designed for curious beginners as well as seasoned enthusiasts. We'll guide you through the tasting and pairing process step by step.

What is included in the experience?

The experience includes a guided tasting of three artisanal mezcals paired with three carefully selected craft chocolates, along with discussion of flavor, production methods, and pairing principles.

How long does the experience last?

Most sessions last approximately 60–90 minutes, allowing plenty of time for tasting, discussion, and questions.

How much does it cost?

The Mezcal & Chocolate Pairing Experience costs ₡16,000 per person.

When is the experience offered?

The experience is available Wednesday through Monday at 4:30 PM.

Do I need to reserve in advance?

Yes. Advance booking is recommended as spaces are limited.