What’s the difference between tequila and mezcal?
If you’re a fan of agave spirits, you’ve probably had both tequila and mezcal before. And if you’re new to agave, you might be wondering: what’s the difference between these two?
Well, the short answer is: all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Confused yet? Let’s break it down a bit further.
What is tequila?
Tequila is a type of mezcal that can only be made in certain regions of Mexico, specifically the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is cultivated in these regions and nowhere else.
Within tequila, there are two broad categories: 100% agave tequila and mixto tequila. 100% agave tequila is made entirely from blue agave, while mixto tequila is made from a combination of blue agave and other sugars, typically cane sugar.
Tequila also has several classifications based on aging:
– Blanco or silver tequila: unaged or aged for up to two months
– Reposado tequila: aged for two to twelve months
– Añejo tequila: aged for one to three years
– Extra añejo tequila: aged for three or more years
What is mezcal?
Mezcal is a broad category of spirits made from any type of agave plant. Unlike tequila, which is restricted to certain regions and only blue agave, mezcal can be made from any agave plant and can be produced anywhere in Mexico. This means that mezcal can have a much wider range of flavors than tequila.
Within mezcal, there are several varieties based on the type of agave plant used. Some common varieties include:
– Espadín mezcal: made from the agave espadín plant, which is the most widely cultivated agave in Mexico
– Tobalá mezcal: made from the agave tobalá plant, which is smaller and harder to find than espadín
– Arroqueño mezcal: made from the agave arroqueño plant, which is large and takes longer to mature than espadín
Mezcal is typically distilled twice, but some producers may use a third distillation. Mezcal can also be classified based on aging, similar to tequila:
– Joven mezcal: unaged or aged for up to two months
– Reposado mezcal: aged for two months to one year
– Añejo mezcal: aged for one to three years
– Extra añejo mezcal: aged for three or more years
What are the differences between tequila and mezcal?
Now that we understand the basics of tequila and mezcal, let’s look at the key differences between them:
1. The type of agave used
As we mentioned earlier, tequila can only be made from blue agave, while mezcal can be made from any type of agave. Blue agave is a larger plant than most other agave species, which makes it ideal for mass production. Mezcal producers, on the other hand, often use more rare and regional agave varieties that have different flavors and complexities.
2. The production region
Tequila can only be made in specific regions of Mexico, while mezcal can be made anywhere in the country. The regions where tequila can be made are generally cooler and dryer than other areas of Mexico, which can affect the flavor of the agave and the resulting spirit.
3. The production process
While both tequila and mezcal are made from agave, the production processes are slightly different. Tequila is typically made in larger, industrial-scale facilities, while mezcal is often made in smaller, artisanal operations using traditional techniques. Mezcal is also typically roasted before fermentation, which gives it a smoky flavor that is absent in most tequilas.
4. The flavor profile
Perhaps the biggest difference between tequila and mezcal is the flavor profile. Tequila tends to have a lighter, fruitier taste, while mezcal is often more complex and smoky. Mezcal can also have a more earthy or vegetal flavor, depending on the type of agave used.
How to enjoy tequila and mezcal
Whether you prefer tequila or mezcal, there are plenty of ways to enjoy these amazing spirits. Here are just a few suggestions:
– Sip it straight: some high-quality tequilas and mezcals are best enjoyed straight out of the bottle. Take a small sip and let the flavors open up in your mouth.
– Make a margarita: this classic cocktail is a great way to enjoy tequila. Mix 2 oz. tequila, 1 oz. lime juice, and 1 oz. orange liqueur, shake with ice, and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
– Enjoy it neat: if you have a high-quality mezcal, it’s best enjoyed neat or with a small amount of water or ice to help open up the flavors.
– Try a palenque: if you get the chance to visit a mezcal distillery in Mexico, you may be offered a palenque, which is a small amount of freshly-distilled mezcal served straight out of the still.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while tequila and mezcal are both made from agave and share some similarities, there are several key differences that set them apart. From the type of agave used to the production process and the resulting flavor profile, each of these spirits is unique and worthy of exploration. So whether you’re a tequila fan or a mezcal aficionado, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy. Cheers!
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