We are sure you’ll agree that spirits have a way to capture the essence of a place or people. From the subtle nuances of Japanese whiskey to the bold flavors of Mexican tequila, both spirits have unique tastes, traditions, and innovations that make each one special. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of spirits, here’s a journey from Tokyo to Tequila to discover the best of Asia and Mexico’s spirits.
Tokyo has a wide range of Japanese spirits, which are very unique and combine traditions with modern-day twists.
Umeshu is a fruity, sweet liqueur that is made by soaking Japanese plums in sugar and alcohol. The taste profile is tangy, sweet, and a bit floral. It is easy to drink, making it the perfect choice for beginners.
Awamori is made by using a special type of long-grain rice and hails from Japan’s southern islands, Okinawa. It is a staple in Okinawa with a flavor profile of aromatic, earthy, and strong.
Sake is reply connected to Japanese traditions and is served in ceremonies and meals. It is a special kind of alcohol made with rice and is made more like beer. It is often served in small cups and has many variants from sweet to dry.
Shochu is stronger than most sakes, with 20-25% alcohol. It is a clear, distilled drink made from barley, rice, or sweet potatoes. Each base ingredient gives it a different flavor, from earthy to light and smooth.
Last but not least! Japanese whiskey is made using techniques that are similar to those of making Scotch Whiskey. It is known for its classic smoothness and aroma across the globe. Japanese drink it as a highball, which is made by mixing it with ice and sparkling water.
This spirit is made by out of a special plant, ‘blue agave’, where the core of agave is cooked, crushed, fermented, and distilled twice. It comes in three main types: Blanco, Reposada, and Anejo. The flavor profile of Tequila is soft, smooth, and oaky, making it a go-to party spirit.
This spirit hails from the western Mexican state of Jalisco and is made using different varieties of agave. It is a craft spirit that is made in small batches only. The flavor profile is a bit fruity, floral, and also funky sometimes.
It is a very different drink that is made using fresh sap of the agave plant by fermenting it instead of distilling. It is a little sour, good, and creamy, and just like beer, it is low in alcohol.
Mezcal is produced in Oaxaca and is made using many types of agave plants. This spirit has a smoky flavor profile, which comes from roasting agave in underground pits. To balance the smoky, earthy taste, this spirit is consumed with a dusting of chilli powder or a slice of orange.
This spirit is made from a desert plant named the desert spoon, which means it is technically not made out of agave plants. This spirit is mostly produced in northern Mexico and is way lighter than tequila and mezcal.
1. Ingredients: The biggest difference between Tokyo and Mexico’s spirit culture is the ingredients that are used to make them. While Tokyo heavily depends on rice, barley, and sweet potato, Mexico depends on blue agave and its variants.
2. Making Process: The other key difference is the fact that Tokyo has a balanced mix of alcohols that are fermented and distilled. While spirits in Mexico are mostly distilled.
3. Flavor: The flavor profile of Tokyo’s spirits is delicate, subtle, refined, and sweet, while the flavor profile in Mexico is crisp, smoky, spicy, and earthy.
4. Serving style: People in Tokyo like their drinks either neat, highball, or on the rocks. The people in Mexico like their drinks with lime and salt, neat or as a traditional sipper.
The drinking culture of Japan and Mexico is quite similar, yet a little different from each other. Japanese people treat drinking as a respectful and social ritual. This involves pouring drinks for one another as a sign of hospitality.
While talking about the people in Mexico, their drinking culture blooms during vibrant celebrations and social gatherings. Here, the emphasis is on colors and flavors that evoke energy.
From social rituals in Japan and its famous whiskey to celebrations in Mexico with its bold tequila, this boozy tour shows that each spirit in each culture has a story to tell. Are you ready to sip and listen?
