WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEQUILA AND MEZCAL?
When it comes to Mexican spirits, two names come up quite often: tequila and mezcal. While both of these drinks are made from the agave plant, they have different processing methods and flavor profiles. In this article, we’ll look into the differences between tequila and mezcal so that you can appreciate their nuances and choose which one suits your taste better.
WHAT IS AGAVE?
Agave is a succulent plant that is commonly found in the arid regions of Mexico. There are over 200 varieties of agave, but for tequila and mezcal, only a few specific types are used.
Agave has been used for thousands of years in Mexico as a source of food and drink. The plant’s sugar-rich sap or piña (which means pineapple in Spanish) is used to make tequila and mezcal.
THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF TEQUILA
According to Mexican law, tequila must be made from blue agave (Agave tequilana Weber) and must be produced in the state of Jalisco, as well as some specific municipalities in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.
Tequila production starts with the agave plant, which is harvested after 6 to 12 years of growth. The piña is then cooked in an oven or autoclave to convert the starches into sugars. The cooked piña is then crushed to extract the juice, which is fermented and distilled.
Tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months. If it’s aged for more than two months, it needs to be labeled as either reposado (aged for 2-12 months) or añejo (aged for 1 year or more).
THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF MEZCAL
Mezcal can be made from any variety of agave, but most commonly, it’s made using the wild agave Espadin (Agave angustifolia). Mezcal can be produced in several states throughout Mexico, including Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, and Oaxaca.
Mezcal production starts with the same process as tequila: the piña is cooked, crushed, and then fermented. However, for mezcal, the piña is traditionally roasted in an underground pit oven with mesquite wood and other types of wood to give it a smoky flavor. The roasted piña is then crushed by a stone wheel pulled by a horse or a donkey.
Unlike tequila, mezcal is not aged in oak barrels. However, some premium mezcals are aged in wood barrels for a short period to add complexity to the flavor. Mezcal labels often indicate the type of agave used, the name of the producer, and the region where it was produced.
FLAVOR PROFILE
Tequila and mezcal have different flavor profiles because of the different production methods. Tequila has a clean, crisp, and fresh taste with fruity or citrusy notes. The oak aging process of reposado and añejo tequilas adds a complexity of flavors such as caramel, vanilla, and wood notes.
Mezcal, on the other hand, has a smoky, earthy, and vegetal taste that comes from the roasted agave. Each type of agave used in mezcal production has its own unique flavor profile. Some mezcals are also infused with fruits, herbs, or spices to add extra flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Tequila is often served as a shot, with lime and salt. It is also used in cocktails such as margaritas, palomas, and tequila sunrises.
Mezcal is usually served straight up, similar to scotch or whiskey, and sipped slowly to appreciate the flavors. Some people prefer mezcal with orange slices, salt, and chili powder. Mezcal is also used in cocktails such as Oaxaca Old Fashioned, Smoky Margarita, and Mezcal Mule.
IN CONCLUSION
Tequila and mezcal are two distinct types of spirit made from the agave plant. Tequila must be made from blue agave and produced in specific states in Mexico, while mezcal can be made from any variety of agave and produced in several states throughout Mexico.
Tequila has a clean, crisp, and fresh taste, while mezcal has a smoky, earthy, and vegetal taste. Each type of agave used in mezcal production has its own unique flavor profile.
Tequila is often served as a shot or in cocktails, while mezcal is best served straight up or used in cocktails that highlight its unique flavor.
Now that you know the differences between tequila and mezcal, why not try both and see which one you prefer? Both have their unique charm and are worth exploring!
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