Tequila and Mezcal: What are the differences?
Tequila and mezcal are both Mexican spirits distilled from the agave plant. However, there are some key differences between them.
Tequila
- Must be made from 100% blue agave plant.
- Can only be produced in five Mexican states: Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, and Michoacán.
- Typically distilled in stainless steel tanks.
- Usually unaged, but can also be aged in wooden barrels.
Mezcal
- Can be made from any type of agave plant, but most commonly espadín agave.
- Can be produced in nine Mexican states: Oaxaca, Durango, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Guerrero, Puebla, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, and Guerrero.
- Typically distilled in clay pots or copper vats.
- Usually aged in wooden barrels, but can also be unaged.
Overall, tequila is a more refined, regulated spirit, while mezcal offers more variety and flavor.
The table below summarizes the key differences between tequila and mezcal:
| Feature | Tequila | Mezcal |
|---|---|---|
| Agave Variety | Must be Blue Agave | Can be any Agave |
| Production Region | Five Mexican States | Nine Mexican States |
| Still | Stainless Steel Tanks | Clay Pots or Copper Vats |
| Aging | Usually Unaged, but can be Aged | Usually Aged, but can be Unaged |
In terms of flavor, tequila typically has a cleaner, more herbal taste, while mezcal has a smokier, richer flavor. This is mainly due to the use of smoke-roasted agave hearts in mezcal production.
Both tequila and mezcal can be enjoyed neat or used in cocktails. Some popular tequila cocktails include margaritas, tequila sunrises, and palomas. Some popular mezcal cocktails include Negronis, Oaxacan Old Fashioneds, and smoky sours.