A few years ago, Bósforo was a nondescript bar in the capital’s Centro Histórico (Historic Center) neighborhood. Its decor was nothing to write home about; in fact, it was so dark it was hard to make out whether there was any decor to speak of. Fast forward to today, and the dark, dull interior hasn’t changed. Nor has the bar’s focus: mezcal. The smokier cousin of tequila is an agave-based spirit that has grown exponentially in popularity over the past several years. Most of the bar’s offerings are small-batch mezcals in bottles with handwritten labels. What you try today may not be available at all the next time you visit. What has changed in the past year or two is Bósforo’s visibility. Once a bar that was really only for locals in the know, Bósforo is now visited by mezcal lovers from all over the world. If you’re a fan of the spirit—or you haven’t yet tried it and would like to—Bósforo is worth a night out in the Centro.
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Limited Edition Mezcals in the Centro
Hidden behind rusty doors on Calle Luis Moya in the Centro Histórico is El Bósforo, a simple bar specializing in mezcal, tequila’s slightly smokier cousin. Many of the bottles here are ultra-artisanal and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Trust the bartender to choose your pour and ask for the bottle’s backstory as you sip the night away.
