What Is The Difference Between Tequila And Mezcal?
If you love tequila shots, then there's no doubt you should try its elder cousin, mezcal. Produced from the same base ingredient the agave plant both drinks originate from Mexico and have been gaining more and more popularity every day
The bottom line that distinguishes the two spirits is that while tequila is a form of mezcal, not all mezcal is tequila Mezcal refers to any alcoholic beverage derived from agave plants Drinks like sotol, bacanora, raicilla, and tequila fall within this category. And each offers a unique experience for enthusiasts looking to try something new!
Certain key differences between mezcal and tequila distinguish them from one another This knowledge is essential for people interested in either spirit and will allow them to discern the options available at the bar more accurately
What are the similarities?
Tequila and mezcal are two traditional Mexican spirits that have been around for centuries Both are distilled from agave plants; tequila is primarily produced in the state of Jalisco, while mezcal is made in several different states throughout Mexico But although they share many similarities – including agave, distillation process, and ABV – they also offer unique flavor profiles!
Tequila has earthy undertones and smokiness, while mezcal has a strong smoky character Despite these differences between the two, both are protected by law, with their origin securely rooted in Mexican heritage. With so much to explore between them, we hope you'll take the time to discover all that tequila and mezcal have to offer!
Key differences between tequila and mezcal
Production process
With its tall spiky leaves, the agave plant is the base of mezcal and tequila From its piña or round pineapple-like stem, over 30 types of agave plants are used for this purpose Most notably, there's tobalá, tobaziche, tepeztate, arroqueño and espadín. Of these varieties, espadín is the most commonly used one as it has a slow ripening rate that can take up to six or seven years.
Agave tequilana, more commonly known as Blue Weber agave, is the only variety of agave allowed in tequila production. Harvesting this distinct species requires an expert touch and is a skill typically passed down through generations Harvesters use a curved device called a coa to cut away the leaves and extract the piña – which contains starches that will be converted to sugars during cooking. Tequila differs from mezcal due to its unique flavor and distinctive preparation method
The production of tequila starts with steaming the piñas to release and ferment sugars. Then, they are milled to extract their juice before fermentation begins The distillation is done twice or
thrice - typically in copper pots - until it results in a classic tequila product Earthy notes come through due to the production process for mezcal.
On the other hand, mezcal is made using a variety of agave plants and harvested like tequila. The iconic smokey flavor comes from a unique process in which the pinas are cooked in fire pits underground Once roasted, they are crushed to extract the sugars, then fermented and distilled twice before being blended. Depending on the variety, mezcal may be bottled immediately or left to age in oak barrels for added complexity
Tequila and mezcal are produced in different regions. Tequila and mezcal both have roots in Mexican culture, but there are several significant geographical differences when it comes to where each alcohol is produced Mezcal takes up a much larger portion of Mexico, spreading across nine major regions that cover more than 85 percent of the country's mezcal production
Conversely, Tequila is restricted to primarily five areas - Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Jalisco (which includes the namesake town of Tequila) While certain regions may plant both agave plants depending on climate and location constraints, it's important to remember that tequila and mezcal production remain primarily geographically separated
Different flavour profiles
Tequila and mezcal couldn't be more different! While tequila is clear, classic, and refreshing with notes of agave and lime, mezcal is smoky, sweetly floral, and quite unlike any other liquor The difference lies in the type of agave that each is made from: Batanga Blanco Tequila blends fresh-harvested agave with a secret family recipe to give it that authentic Mexican flavor profile Meanwhile, El Senorio Mezcal blends 100% espadin agave to create its distinct, herb-like aroma and bitter notes Both are made from small batches for a truly unique taste experienceperfect for shots or cocktails!
How to drink tequila and mezcal
Tequila can be served in various ways, from a shot taken neat with salt and lime, to on the rocks. It's also used to make some classic cocktails like Margaritas and Tequila Sunrises.
Mezcal is more elaborate, often served in a wine glass or traditional jicara bark bowl. This drink is typically drunk at room temperature, paired with an orange slice and sal de gusano – the salt made by worms living in agave plants It is also often used with tequila to add depth to tequila cocktails. It can also be enjoyed neat with ice.
It's time to indulge in a premium tequila or mezcal! Some of the very best in the business, like Batanga Blanco Tequila and El Senorio Mezcal, can be found online at 365 Drinks. If you're looking for the perfect drink for your celebrations, look no further than 365 Drinks, to supply a varied selection of quality tequilas and mezcals Sip away with confidence - cheers!