Everything You Should Know About Mezcal
Mezcal, known for its smoky flavour and rich cultural background, has become a beloved spirit around the world. If you’re new to the game, here’s everything you need to know about this timeless Mexican alcohol.
What is mezcal?
When it comes to Mexican spirits, you may be more familiar with tequila. Actually, while tequila is a type of mezcal, not all mezcal is tequila.
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic drink made from the agave plant which grows in certain regions of Mexico. The key difference between it and tequila is the type of agave used. Mezcal can be made from any type of agave, giving it a broad range of flavours that are influenced by the plant, where it’s grown, and how it’s processed.
How was mezcal invented?
To understand more about mezcal, we have to dive into the deep roots of Mexican culture. This drink dates back to the days of the indigenous tribes who used agave plants as both food and drink.
In the 16th century, the Spanish arrived in the land and introduced distillation techniques to the locals, leading to the creation of mezcal. Today, mezcal is still mostly produced in Mexico, particularly in the state of Oaxaca.
How is mezcal made?
Mezcal’s distinct production process makes it a unique and enjoyable spirit. Distillers will start by harvesting agave plants and separating the plants’ hearts or piñas. These are then roasted in underground pits, which is why mezcal has that signature smokiness.
The roasted piñas are then crushed, fermented, and then distilled. This traditional production method has remained mostly unchanged throughout the years, so you can bet that you’re drinking a spirit authentic to its origins.
Mezcal vs. tequila
Mezcal newbies will often wonder how it differs from tequila. The main difference is in the agave species used. Tequila is only made from blue agave, while mezcal allows a wide range of agaves in its base.
The production process also differs between the two drinks. To make tequila the agave is baked in industrial ovens, while mezcal does so in earthen pits.
Types of mezcal
Mezcal is categorized by how long it has been aged. There are three main categories:
- Joven (Young): this type of mezcal is unaged, going straight to the bottle at the distillery. It offers a pure agave flavour with a smoky bite.
- Reposado (Rested): this type of mezcal is aged in wooden barrels for a few months, giving it a smoother, more complex flavour with hints of vanilla and caramel from the wood.
- Añejo (Aged): this type of mezcal is aged in wooden barrels for over a year. This results in deep, robust flavours of wood, smoke, and spice.
How to drink mezcal
Mezcal is commonly enjoyed in cocktails, but traditionally it is sipped neat in order to appreciate its complex flavours. The traditional method of enjoying mezcal involves a side of orange slices and worm salt, which is a mixture of ground up agave worms, chilli, and salt.
If your’e looking for a lighter drink, you can also enjoy mezcal in a wide range of cocktails. This spirit has become a tool that bartenders use to provide modern twists on classic drinks such as:
- Mezcal Margarita: a smoky take on the classic, made with mezcal, lime juice, and agave syrup
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned: a twist on the traditional Old Fashioned using mezcal instead of bourbon
- Mezcal Paloma: a refreshing blend of mezcal, grapefruit soda, and lime
With deep cultural roots and a unique production process, mezcal stands out in the world of spirits. Perfect for enjoying whichever way suits your fancy, mezcal gives an authentic drinking experience each time. As its popularity continues to rise, now is the perfect time for you to dive into the smoky spirit and appreciate the craft behind every bottle.
