If you’re an alcohol connoisseur, you must have tasted tequila and mezcal at some point in your life. Since they’re both grown in Mexico and produced from the same agave plant, you might question the difference between tequila and mezcal. But in reality, there are key differences between both spirits that you should know. To learn more, keep reading our article.
Difference Between Tequila And Mezcal
- Difference In Production
- Difference In Agave Plants
- Difference In Regions
- Difference In Tastes
1. Difference In Production
When it comes to the making of both these spirits, tequila and mezcal are produced from the core of the agave plant, known as piñas in Spanish because of how closely the plant resembles a pineapple. The leaves of the plant are plucked out and the piñas are used for cooking. However, the similarities end over here!
Tequila is prepared by using large industrial ovens to steam the core of the plant, helping the starch in the plant to be broken down into fermented sugar. The steamed plant is then taken to the mill where it goes through a process that squeezes the liquid out. Afterward, the juice is kept in open containers and then distilled twice or thrice in copper vessels.
Where mezcal is concerned, the piñas are grilled in underground ovens that are lined with molten rocks. This goes on for a couple of days and then the piñas are crushed by a stone mill, also known as tahona. This process goes on till it turns into a pulp and later, the liquid is collected in copper or clay pots. Ultimately, the juice ferments and goes through a process of distillation. This is the main difference between tequila and mezcal when it comes to production.
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2. Difference In Agave Plants
The varieties of agave plants used is another difference between tequila and mezcal. Tequila can be made with just one type of agave species: the blue weber agave plant, also colloquially known as agave tequilana or just blue agave. This species of agave takes around five to nine years to grow as compared to its other variants which can take up to 35 years to mature fully.
On the other hand, mezcal can be prepared by using more than 40 varieties of agave such as tobaziche, tepeztate, espadín, and so on. Currently, manufacturers market espadín mezcal the most as espadín agave has a short maturation period of six to eight years as compared to other varieties. Tepeztate agave takes about 35 years to grow fully, and mezcal made from this agave variant is pretty expensive to buy.
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3. Difference In Regions
Yes, mezcal and tequila are produced in the same country called Mexico, but the agave plants are grown in specific regions. Agave that’s used to produce mezcal can be legally grown in nine parts of Mexico which are Oaxaca, Durango, Guerrero, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas, Puebla, and Michoacán.
On the other hand, tequila has permission to be produced in five regions of Mexico which are Tamaulipas, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Jalisco. The state of Jalisco is where the town of Tequila is located. So, if anyone questions you about the difference between tequila and mezcal, you know which region produces them.
4. Difference In Tastes
The most apparent difference between tequila and mezcal is the difference in taste profiles. The latter agave-based spirit has a smoky and sweet flavor as compared to tequila but that’s just scratching the surface. The complexities of the taste difference between tequila and mezcal go much deeper.
The taste of a tequila depends on the region in which the blue agave plant grows and the time of maturation. Blanco tequila has hints of vanilla, pepper, and an earthy taste, whereas Reposado tequila has subtle undertones of jasmine and caramel to it. Anejo tequila leaves a butterscotch and caramel aftertaste on your palate with slight, mellow nudges of oak.
On the contrary, mezcal is produced from different varieties of agave plants, providing a wide range of flavors. Espadín mezcal has a mildly sweet tone with subtle hints of herbal aftertaste. Tobala mezcal leaves you with a fruity and floral taste while papalome mezcal has an earthy flavor. If we go on describing the many flavors mezcal has, we’ll be sitting at our offices for hours together to complete the list in its entirety!
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Summing Up
Tequila and mezcal are two spirits that have similarities but distinctions at the same time. Think of them as siblings, coming from the same home but different in personality. This is the easiest way to remember the difference between tequila and mezcal.
FAQs
Can You Drink Mezcal Straight?
Yes, it’s one of the best ways to savor mezcal since its sweet and smoky taste comes directly in contact with your palate. Also, taking small sips is an efficient way to taste all of its flavors and enjoy the true nature of a shot of mezcal.
What Percentage Of Alcohol Is Mezcal?
Mezcal has a pretty high content of alcohol, ranging between 40 to 50% ABV. If you have consumed large amounts of this agave spirit, you’re likely to wake up to quite the hangover!
Should I Put Mezcal In The Fridge?
Mezcal contains a lot of natural congeners. Putting it in the fridge will only lessen the amount of that compound. A congener is a naturally occurring compound present in alcohol that gives flavor to a particular spirit. To store Mezcal, you need to keep it in a cool, dry place away from the sunlight. A liquor cabinet would be your best option.
What Is A Good Mixer For Mezcal?
Some of the best mixers for mezcal are beer, soda, apple cider, and grapefruit soda.
Are 5 Shots Of Tequila Too Much?
An average individual would get a bit drunk on two shots of tequila, fairly drunk on four, and full-blown-passed-out-on-the-floor drunk anything after that. That means 5 shots of tequila on a working night is enough to ask your boss for leave the next day.
What Is The Best Thing To Mix With Tequila?
Some of the best mixers that go well with tequila are grapefruit soda, orange juice, tomato juice, and beer.
What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Tequila?
Drinking tequila in moderation helps in digestion, fighting osteoporosis (a bone disease), and providing better sleep.
