What Is The Difference Between Tequila And Mezcal?

1
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 ingredientthe agave
plantboth 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
2
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 experience - perfect 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!