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In addition to its proud Mexican origin, this drink has many properties and health benefits, which is why there is a saying: For all ills, mezcal!
The Aztecs considered mezcal to be the drink that came from heaven. According to legends, a strong bolt of lightning struck a maguey and toasted it, giving rise to this delicacy. It is a distillate with a flavor that refers to luxury, excellence and warmth, which has conquered not only the heart of this land, but also places Mexican culture at a high level abroad.
What is mezcal? Mezcal from Nahuatl mexcalli, ‘cooked maguey’, from metl ‘maguey’ and ixcalli ‘cooked’. Mezcal is derived from the agave plant, a genus consisting of about 200 species. Of these, mezcal may consist of 40 to 50 species. As a result, it is a very diverse and complex liquor, both in flavor and history. It originated in Mexico, where it has been enjoyed for several centuries, although its production has developed over time.
When considering buying mezcal, it is natural to wonder about its types and classifications. In 1994, along with the Denomination of Origin of Mezcal, Mexican Standard NOM-070-SFCI-1994 was introduced. This established two types of mezcal: Type 1 with 100% agave and Type 2 with 80% agave and 20% other sugars.
It also divided mezcal into three classes: Mezcal joven, Mezcal reposado, and Mezcal añejo, without considering varieties such as mezcal de gusano or those with herbs and fruits. This standard was inspired by that of Tequila, which was already industrialized.
Mezcal and tequila are Mexican spirits made from the agave plant. While tequila is made specifically from blue agave, mezcal can be produced from any type of agave. For both beverages to be considered authentic, they must be produced in certain regions of Mexico, recognized by their appellation of origin.
One notable distinction is that tequila must be aged in barrels for at least two months, while mezcal does not have this requirement. In terms of flavor, mezcal tends to have less vanilla notes compared to tequila. Interestingly, some mezcals incorporate worm larvae during production.
Historically, mezcal precedes tequila, and some experts see tequila as a variant of mezcal. In general, mezcal tends to have a higher alcohol content.
There are different mezcal brands in the market and it is difficult to choose or decide on one, the truth is that there is no bad mezcal, you just need the right one for you. That’s why we took on the task of preparing these reviews of each mezcal so you can get to know them in depth.
Get to know the sweeter side of mezcal. What is it? Creme de mezcal represents a delicious recipe to enjoy mezcal in a sweet way. Knowing the traditional way of mezcal combined with Mexican ingredients to create delicious mezcals with flavors of pine nut, coffee, cappuccino, coconut, strawberry, all to please your palate.
See our list of the best mezcal creams of the year.
Mezcal is one of the best alcoholic beverages to create different mixes, or delicious cocktails that combine different flavors and achieve to enjoy in another exquisite way, the mythical mezcal. Discover the best cocktails with mezcal
Do not shake it. The natural movement we do with a wine glass to oxygenate the drink cannot be applied to mezcal, because it has a high alcohol content. If you shake it, the ethanol will be the first thing in your mouth.
When serving. Pour the liquid slowly, preferably gluing the bottle to the glass so as not to shake the alcoholic content.
To enjoy mezcal you can use the classic mezcalero glass, a cognac glass, a jug or even a jicara. To better appreciate the appearance, aromas and flavors it is preferable to serve in glass.
Differences between mezcal and tequila:
Type of Agave: Tequila is produced exclusively from blue agave (tequilana weber), while mezcal is made from more than 20 types of agave.
Production Process: Mezcal is cooked in wood-fired ovens underground and ground with a mill, which gives it a characteristic smoky flavor. Tequila, on the other hand, is cooked in masonry ovens, resulting in floral and slightly sweet flavors.
Alcohol Content: Tequila generally has an alcohol content of between 36 and 40 degrees, while mezcal can exceed 40 degrees.
Denomination of Origin: Both have Denomination of Origin, but are produced in different regions of Mexico. Mezcal comes from states such as Oaxaca, Guerrero, among others, and tequila mainly from Jalisco and some regions of Nayarit, Michoacán, Tamaulipas and Guanajuato.
Mezcal is an agave distillate, which is classified as an alcoholic beverage. It is prepared with sugars extracted from the agave, which are previously cooked and fermented.
Mezcal is a traditional Mexican distillate whose origin is a matter of debate. Although it is often associated with Oaxaca, documentary research indicates that its origin may be in western Mexico, more specifically in what is now Jalisco. The first documentary mention of “mezcal wine” dates back to 1616 in the Province of Avalos, Nueva Galicia. However, it was not until the middle of the 18th century that the payment of taxes for this beverage in Oaxaca was recorded.
