So, you have heard everyone gushing over mezcal and want to know what the fuss is all about? Well, You have come to the right place. Here you will find a detailed guide about mezcal, its origin, the popular types of mezcal and more! Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will know all the basics of this agave-based spirit and be ready to jump on the mezcal bandwagon!
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, has been gaining rapid popularity in America. Originating from Mexico, Mezcal is known for its rich variety of complex flavors and a distinct smoky taste. They are usually produced in small batches by traditional mezcaleros, who have been in the trade for generations.
Here, at The Epicurean Trader, we have over 90 varieties of premium-quality mezcal, from the most affordable Mezcal-Negroni Cocktail, Togronis, to the luxurious ‘Chino Verde’ Reserva Ancestral Mezcal, Bozal. Our collection of fan favorites includes Madre Mezcal, Lagrimas De Dolores, Del Maguey, Flor Del Desierto, and many more!
Mezcal vs Tequila: What’s the Difference?
The American palate is well-acquainted with tequila. However, now that mezcal has emerged as a worthy contender, here’s how you can distinguish them.
Tequila is a sub-category of mezcal, produced from the blue weber agave. Simply put, ‘All tequilas are mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequila’. Mezcal, which pre-dates tequila, is usually made by small businesses that follow traditional processes. Tequila, on the other hand, is industrially produced on a much larger scale. They are both distilled and fermented liquors, though mezcal tends to have a higher alcohol content, with smoky and earthy tones.
Mezcal: A Brief History
The etymology of the word ‘mezcal’ can be traced back to the Aztec word ‘mexcalli’, meaning oven-roasted agave, from the words ‘metl’ (agave) and ‘ixcalli’ (roasted in the oven). Agaves were sacred plants to the Aztecs. Legend says that once an agave plant was struck by lightning, causing it to split open, producing a liquid that was named ‘the elixir of gods’. Now how is that for an origin story? This liquid, called pulque, was then distilled by the conquering Spaniards and mezcal was born. The process of making mezcal is a community-centered one, promoting the craft of local, family-run businesses and artisans. Mezcal has great cultural significance in Mexico, where it is drunk during celebrations, mournings, and even as an offering to the spirits.
Knowing more about the Agaves Used in Mezcal Production
There are over 200 varieties of agaves, out of which, only 30 are used in mezcal production. The most common is agave espadín, the source of almost 90% of mezcal. Other common varieties of agave used in the making of mezcal include tobalá, madrecuixe, tepeztate, arroqueño and so on. The versatility of mezcal depends on the type of agave, the brand and region of production. Let’s take a look at three common types of mezcal agaves:
- Espadín (Agave angustifolia) - The most commonly used agave for mezcal, espadín has a high sugar concentration and can produce larger volumes of spirit compared to other agaves. It is mildly sweet, with the presence of herbal and citrus flavors.
- Tobalá (Agave potatorum) - This agave species, which yields the most delicate mezcal varieties, is rather small, but gives a strong aroma and flavor to the spirit. It has a more floral, fruity flavor and the yielded mezcal has a light body.
- Madrecuixe (Agave karwinskii) - These agaves, distinguished by their long, narrow piñas, produce mezcals with herbal flavors combined with that of roasted vegetables. Its mezcals are silky and medium-bodied, often with a distinct note of peanut.
The ‘terroir’ - the location - of the production of mezcal also plays a key role in determining its quality, authenticity and flavor. The climate, type of soil, terrain and fauna are major influences in mezcal production, aside from the ripeness of the plant and distillation techniques.
Regions of Mezcal Production
For the distilled agave spirit to get certified as mezcal, Denomination of Origin (DO) status is essential. DO authorizes only some Mexican states to label their agave-based liquor as mezcal - Oaxaca, Durango, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Puebla and Zacatecas. Different locations are significant as they may use assorted methods to produce agave, affecting its taste and texture. Check out these states and their different agave species:
- Oaxaca - About 90% of Mezcals are produced in Oaxaca, which is noted for its diverse range of agave species and traditional techniques. Since Oaxacan mezcals are made from a variety of agaves, they have a wide range of flavor profiles.
- Durango - This Mexican state is known for its wild agaves, called Cenizo. The mezcals made from this agave are medium-bodied, with spicy notes, earthy texture and a smooth finish.
- Guerrero - Agave cupreata is the specialty of Guerrero, which has the aroma and flavor of tropical fruits and the earthy note of pepper.
Expert Tips on Tasting Mezcal
Mezcal is supposed to be sipped slowly, allowing the spirit to coat the tongue to experience each distinct note. While it’s traditionally sipped neat, mezcal cocktails are far from rare. If you’re newly introduced to mezcal, it might be a great idea to start with a cocktail! Aside from the smokiness, the notes to look out for include vanilla, clove, citrus, herbs and florals.
A Veladora glass or a stemmed glass with a narrow nose is the best to enjoy mezcal. In Mexico, small clay cups are used for sipping mezcal. Naturally, the best food pairing for mezcal is traditional Mexican food, with its delicious blend of spice and tantalizing flavors. Mezcal also complements fruits like orange, lime and strawberries, as well as desserts like chocolate and cheesecake.
Your Go-To Recipies for Mezcal Cocktails
Whether you are a fan of cocktails or you are new to mezcal, you can’t go wrong with these classic mezcal cocktails:
- Mezcal Margarita - Who doesn’t love a classic margarita? But wait, have you tried a mezcal margarita? Add 1 ½ ounces of mezcal, ¾ ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice and your preferred orange liquor into a cocktail shaker and shake it. Rub a slice of lime around the rim of a glass and dip it in a bowl of salt. Put some ice in the glass, pour the margarita mix over it and serve with a wedge of lime.
The perfect mezcal for margaritas, Mezquila, is available at The Epicurean Trader.
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned - Credited with introducing many Americans to mezcal, this is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned. Pour 1 ½ ounces of reposado tequila, ½ ounce of mezcal, one bar spoon agave nectar and a dash or two of Angostura bitters over ice in an Old Fashioned glass and mix well. Garnish with a strip of orange peel and enjoy!
You can get the Oaxaca Old Fashioned Kit at The Epicurean Trader.
Top Picks From The Epicurean Trader's Mezcal Selection
Mezcal Amaras Espadín
- Description - Made from the finest agave grown for eight years in the mountains of Oaxaca, this award-winning mezcal has 37% alcohol volume.
- Tasting notes - With a subtle citrus aroma of bergamot and a touch of cherry blossom, the palate is delighted with a touch of sandalwood at the beginning and a sweet note of ripe mango at the close. The texture is velvety and salty, with a hint of cinnamon to top it off.
- Pairing suggestion - Aside from grilled meat and vegetables, seafood is the most preferred combination with this smoky mezcal.
Yuu Baal Joven Tobala Mezcal
- Description - A balanced mezcal with sweet tones and flavors of lemongrass and herbs.
- Tasting notes - Sweet aroma of lemongrass and herbs. On the palate, the smell of country and earth with wildflowers, stone, smoked wood, vanilla, clove, jasmine, peach and apples.
- Pairing suggestions - From grilled whitefish to poultry dishes and chocolates, there are a range of food pairings you can try with this mezcal.
El Silencio Mezcal Espadín
- Description - Produced from carefully selected agaves between 7 and 9 years old, El Silencio Mezcal Espadín is made in Oaxaca, using traditional techniques. An excellent mixing mezcal for cocktails, it is just as good to sip on its own.
- Tasting notes - The aroma is subtle smoke, citrus and earthy greens. The palate is blessed with the flavors of slow-cooked agave, roasted figs and sweet potatoes. The closing note is charred stone fruit, earthy clay and a hint of salinity and spice.
- Pairing suggestions - It is a perfect companion to traditional Mexican cuisine like carne asada and enchiladas. It also goes well with cheese and charcuterie.
You can find the link to the complete collection of Mezcals at The Epicurean Trader here!
Choosing the Right Mezcal
It's important to look for certification labels that assure the authenticity of the mezcal, made of 100% agave using traditional methods. The kind of agave used and the method of production must be noted to assess the individual preference for smokiness. For people who are starting out, mild mezcals might be most suited. Espadín mezcals are a great choice for beginners, as they are affordable, and have a balanced flavor profile. Once you get comfortable, discover more unique varieties of mezcals - after all, there are plenty to choose from!
Mezcal and Sustainability
With a formidable increase in international demand, agave cultivation has skyrocketed, leading to deforestation in many states of Mexico, especially in Oaxaca. Aside from clearing the land for cultivation, trees are cut down to use as firewood to roast agave hearts. The overcultivation of agaves has affected the wild agaves as well.
Several measures can be taken to make agave cultivation more sustainable. Many mezcal producers are planting their own agaves to preserve wild agave populations. Preserving traditional techniques that put less strain on the environment is another significant step to achieving sustainability.
Plenty of Mezcal brands including Del Maguay, Sombra Mezcal and Ilegal Mezcal have chosen to emphasize sustainable practices. Brands like Mezcal De Leyendas have started solar-powered distillation processes to reduce their carbon footprint. At The Epicurean Trader, we support small-batch artisan producers who use traditional and sustainable methods for their mezcal production.
Mezcal FAQs
- What are the different types of Mezcal?
The type of mezcal depends on the kind of agave plant it is produced from. The most popular mezcals include Espadín, Tobalá, Tepeztate and Arroqueño. It can also be classified into three different types based on aging - blanco or joven (unaged), reposado (rested) and añejo (aged).
- What is the difference between mezcal and tequila?
Tequila is a type of mezcal made from a single kind of agave, the Blue Weber agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of agaves and has a distinct smoky flavor.
- How do you store mezcal?
Mezcal should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
Ready for a Taste Test?
Mezcal might sound intimidating at first. But now that you are armed with proper knowledge, it doesn’t have to be. With its wide range of varieties and flavors, from a beginner to a connoisseur, Mezcal is an excellent choice. If you haven’t tried it already, what are you waiting for? Take your palate on an adventure and discover the exquisiteness of authentic Mezcal! You can start your shopping at The Epicurean Trader!
