History of Mezcal Tequila

Mezcal tequila has been produced in Mexico for centuries.

The origins of the drink can be traced back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors introduced distillation techniques to the region.

The first mezcal was made from wild agave plants found in the Mexican state of Michoacán.

Over time, production spread to other parts of Mexico and eventually to the United States.

Production Process of Mezcal Tequila

The production process of mezcal tequila involves several steps.

First, the piñas or agave hearts of the blue agave plant are harvested and transported to a distillery.

The piñas are then cooked in an industrial oven or earthen pit for several hours.

After cooking, the piñas are mashed and fermented with water and yeast.

The fermented liquid is then distilled in copper stills for the distillation process and then aged in oak barrels for up to three years.

The aging process gives mezcal its unique smoky flavor and aroma.

Flavor Profile of Mezcal Tequila

Mezcal tequila has a distinct flavor profile that is unlike any other distilled spirit.

It has a smoky flavor that comes from the oak barrels used for aging, as well as notes of sweet agave and earthy spices.

The flavor profile can vary depending on the type of agave used and the length of aging.

For example, mezcal made from Espadín agave will have a sweeter taste than mezcal made from other types of agave.

Additionally, mezcal aged in French oak barrels will have a more complex flavor than mezcal aged in plain wooden barrels.

Types of Mezcal Tequila

There are several types of mezcal tequila available on the market.

The most common types are blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo.

Blanco mezcal is unaged and has a strong smoky flavor with hints of sweet agave.

Reposado mezcal is aged for at least two months in oak barrels and has a smoother flavor profile with notes of oak and vanilla.

Añejo mezcal is aged for at least one year in oak barrels and has a more complex flavor with notes of caramel and spice.

Extra añejo mezcal is aged for at least three years in oak barrels and has an even more complex flavor with notes of dried fruit and nuts.

Mezcal Cocktails

Mezcal can be used to make a variety of delicious cocktails such as the Mezcal Negroni, Mezcal Margarita, and Mezcal Paloma.

The Mezcal Negroni is made with equal parts mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

The Mezcal Margarita is made with mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur.

The Mezcal Paloma is made with mezcal, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup.

These cocktails are perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed by both novice drinkers and experienced connoisseurs alike.

Key Differences Between Tequila and Mezcal

While tequila and mezcal are both distilled spirits made from agave plants, there are some key differences between the two drinks.

Tequila is made exclusively from Blue Agave Tequilana Weber plants grown in the Mexican state of Jalisco while mezcal can be made from any species of agave grown in Mexico (with the exception of Blue Agave Tequilana Weber).

Additionally, tequila is typically cooked in brick ovens while mezcal is cooked in earthen pits or clay pots over an open fire.

Finally, aged tequila must be aged for at least two months.