Mezcal gets its smokiness from the extensive roasting process. is already a bittersweet cocktail. A cocktail with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in it is commonly served with salt on the rim. Clase Azul is a brand known for luxury and good taste. It has an earthy flavor with hints of smoke from the roasted agave plant from which it is made. It is not a shot to be taken all at once. While on a tour of the Del Maguey partner palenques (distilleries) in Oaxaca with some industry friends, he was introduced to Rogelio Martinez Cruz, who let the group taste something hed been working on but was not yet for sale. Tequila is more expensive than vodka. Yes, mezcal is healthier than tequila because it is purer and cleaner. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. During the late 1800s, a man named Don Agustin Fuentes Casares, who wanted to create a lighter and more refreshing version of the heavy sherry-based drinks that were popular at the time, came up with the term tejo. He created tequila from mescal, a traditional fermented drink from the Agave plant, which was distilled by him. Tequila can only be labeled tequila if it is made from 100% Blue Weber agave produced in the Mexican state of Jalisco, as well as some municipalities like Nayarit, Colima, and Aguascalientes. It even blends well when mixed with orange juice. The reason many people say mezcal is healthier is that it is always made from 100% Agave Nectar (by law). I was born and raised in Mexico, and my passion for food began at a young age. However, to have an authentic experience with mezcal, you should pair it with Mexican dishes. Agave comes from the agave plant, which is only grown in the dry regions of Mexico. Lisa is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in nightlife, leisure, and celebration. Simply pour a shot of Mezcal and a splash of lime juice into an ice-filled. Among its many community and ecological efforts, Gracias a Dios is highly prolific when it comes to planting agave, and they pay their workers 25 percent higher than the local standard daily salary in Matatln. Mezcal is pure 100% maguey, which explains the concentrated liquid. If you order a mezcal or a tequila in a bar, either neat or on the rocks, chances are you'll get a spirit that's about 40% ABV, which is the same strength as the vast majority of spirits sold around the world. If you want it to taste differently, you'll need to mix it into a cocktail. It means that tequilas have extenders or additives for taste enhancement. Kunkel highly recommends either trying Ensemble in cocktails or sipping it on its own. All rights reserved. Some tequilas are so silky and delicate that they can stand in for, in any drink. Mezcal can taste stronger than tequila because it has a more savory and richer flavor. There are over 200 species of agave, but not all of them contain enough fermentable sugar to be made into mezcal (3). We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Is mezcal stronger than vodka? Mezcal is usually from about 38-55% ABV (76-110 proof), so basically some mezcals are stronger than some tequilas and some tequilas are stronger than some mezcals. Originally from Mexico, mezcal has recently experienced a huge surge in popularity, and its not showing any signs of slowing down. Everything You Need To Know About This Spirit. Distillers began inserting a worm, known as a gusano, at the bottom of the mezcal bottle in the mid-twentieth century, which became a well-known curiosity across the globe. Over five million liters of mezcal have been exported to more than 50 countries worldwide for the past five years. Nothing on this website should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking. Belvedere Intense 100 Proof. This mezcal is made from wild Tepextate agave. Some drinkers enjoy sipping more Agave-forward unaged expressions of aejo or extra aejo, whereas others prefer to sip them. The distillation process follows in column stills. So, what is mezcal exactly? In 2017, approximately 3 million liters of mezcal were exported to 60 different countries. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Networks Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The young mezcal is called Joven, and for tequila, it is Blanco. Pechuga is often used for special occasions, such as an offering for Dia de los Muertos altars. Many people assume it's the other way around, but that's not so. However, since mezcal is more concentrated, many people perceive this as a stronger spirit. It is critical, however, to adhere to moderation, especially if you intend to limit your calorie intake. June 29, 2022 . - a term which means vintage. This drink is light and refreshing, and the vodka helps to balance out the spiciness of the ginger beer. The brand produces three types of mezcal, reposado, anejo, and joven, each made by using 100% Espadin agave. Mezcal has a wide range of health benefits, including digestive health, inflammation reduction, and blood sugar regulation. This cooking takes place in an earthen pit underneath. Mezcal ( / mskl /, American Spanish: [meskal] ( listen) ), sometimes spelled mescal, [1] is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave. Is mezcal stronger than regular tequila? All the above distinctions are why mezcals generally have a better chance of tasting multi-dimensional, says Gaston. Both spirits utilize a basic method of cooking, fermenting, and distilling agave hearts, but the similarities end there. The agave plant is native to Mexico and has been used to make alcoholic beverages for centuries. El Silencio is a strong advocate for fair wages and labor practicesfor example, the brand works directly with local farmers to support their businesses and distillery. Tequila and mezcal are both in the range of about 38% to 55% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which is 76-110 proof. Substitutes: mezcal (similar, but stronger-tasting) OR gin OR white rum OR vodka vodka Notes: This flavorless, colorless liquor is a great mixer, since it blends unobtrusively with other ingredients. All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila! Mezcal sales doubled in the first half of the 2010s. There are a few things to consider when discussing mezcal vs tequila calories. This artisanal mezcal is produced by the Mexican brand, Peloton De La Muerte. The second is Artisanal which is the fusion of old and new methods but with a couple of prohibitions. Take time to look into the brand to see if they support the local farmers and communities who produce it, or if they demonstrate sustainability in other ways, such as environmental measures. Vodka in the United States must have a minimum alcohol content of 40%. There's only one type of agave plant that makes tequilathat's blue agavebut mezcal can be made from about 30 different varieties of agave. Yes. The flavor profile is green peppery, but not spicy, [and] the body is light but still contains earthy tones.. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It used to be a sort of outlawed spirit, much like moonshine in the American south. productslearn more about Mezcal is a distilled spirit made from any type of agave plant. Second, vodka is typically filtered more than Everclear, so it may not be quite as strong. But is mezcal stronger than tequila? The Naked and Famous drink is as striking as its name from the first sip! Home; About. Agave Nectar vs. Honey: Which Is Healthier? It also substitutes tequila without making it unrecognizable as a margarita. Creating this distilled spirit is similar to how wine grapes are made. Producing mezcal is easier since it can be sourced from over 150 maguey species, including wild varieties. Password* Toon Hide Garnish with a lime wheel. Tequila can only be made from blue agave plants. There are different strengths of tequila and mezcal, but the standards for each drink are 40% and 55% ABV. There are also other traditional containers for serving mezcal, which uses small bowl-shaped cups fashioned from dried gourds. Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from the agave family, often the maguey plant. There is no doubt that it is popular among men and women of all ages, and it is also regarded as a healthier beverage than other alcoholic beverages. Beer before liquor, never been sicker; liquor before beer, youre in the clear is a well-known saying, but you may wonder whether it holds any, Kombucha tea has become quite popular and is linked to several benefits, but you may be concerned about its potential alcohol content. It is herbaceous and has cedar-like aromatics giving it an earthy finish. Whether youre a traditionalist or brand new to the world of mezcal, youre likely to find a preparation method that suits your taste. On the other hand, tequila is only required to have at least 51% blue agave plant juice, and the rest can be additives. This leaves a more concentrated spirit with a stronger flavor compared to tequilas. Tequila and mezcal are both in the range of about 38% to 55% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which is 76-110 proof. Tequila is a type of mezcal produced by roasting agave in industrial furnaces before distilling it 2-3 times in copper pots. (the most prominent and significant language spoken by Mexican civilizations such as Aztec), which means "oven-roasted agave plant," is the source of the name "mezcal." Instagram. It has a more intense, deeper flavor profile with a slight spice. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . Mezcal, in general, is pretty strong and alcoholic, with brands that typically have 40% alcohol by volume or higher. Smirnoff No. This spirit is from agave tequilana weber, mixed with botanicals, additives, and water. (Think of it like the farmers market version of produce, versus what you get at the grocery store.). While this isn't the typical old-fashioned, the components create a timeless classic. Then add your favorite ginger beer to finish it off. By clicking on Accept you are agreeing to our terms of service and privacy policy. Often described as a smokier version of tequila, mezcal is a type of distilled drink made from a variety of different agaves. The agave has matured 15-18 years before harvesting creating the perfect mix of jalapeno and green bell pepper tastes on the nose with a light mint finish. Similar to vodka, gin is clear, colorless, and has minimal difference in the flavor profile. A tequila drink is the most popular beverage on the planet. Don't have an account yet?Create account, 2023 Advanced Mixology, Powered by Shopify. On the most basic level, tequila tends to have a smooth, sweet flavor, whereas mezcal is often described as savory and smoky. Pour about 1 cup of the margarita mixture into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. The distillation is also interesting because it's a full-bodied, sort of esther-charged Mezcal.. What is the difference between tequila and Mezcal? An excellent mezcal isn't meant to be consumed in a single sip. It is usually enjoyed in a spicy margarita or bloody maria. Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that's another matter. Espadin agave is one of the most prevalent species of the plant, making it the most popular source of mezcal. The pias are allowed to rest for a month while the juice ferments within the pia husk. The Nahuatl term mexcalmetl (the most prominent and significant language spoken by Mexican civilizations such as Aztec), which means "oven-roasted agave plant," is the source of the name "mezcal." In general, mezcal is typically around 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), while vodka is usually around 35% ABV. Mezcal is made from 40 to 50 different types of agaves. Depending on how contemporary or traditional the manufacturing processes are, mezcal may be divided into three types. We hope to educate and inspire others to cook Mexican food at home, and to show that it can be healthy, delicious, and easy to make. Svedka 100. These brands are known for their smooth taste and high quality. It is also called little water because of its appearance. Agave can be made from a variety of different types, giving it a much broader flavor range. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants (2). D.C.'s Espita Mezcaleria has a menu curated by one of the world's only Master Mezcaliers. Absolut ElyxAbsolut Elyx is a true luxury vodka, built on the principles of quality, integrity and craftsmanship, distilled in a manually operated vintage copper still from 1921. January 23, 2023, 3:45 pm Wild yeast is normally added to the blue agave during fermentation. There are at least 200 species of agave (maguey) but less than 50 are actually used in mezcal production. Serve in an old-fashioned glass with an orange peel garnish to keep it elegant. Tequila and mezcal are both in the range of about 38% to 55% ABV (Alcohol by VolumeAlcohol by VolumeAlcohol by volume (abbreviated as ABV, abv, or alc/vol) is a standard measure . . First, vodka is usually made from grain, so it may have a slightly different flavor than Everclear. Tequila, which is a type of mezcal, contains additives. You can sip it on its own or add it to your favorite cocktail. First is the Joven or Gold Tequila, a mix of tequila Blanco and Reposado. If you want a trademark cocktail that's simultaneously sweet, tangy, salty, and smoky, then the Mezcal, Toro Bravo in Portland, Oregon, serves a mezcal-based cocktail that hits all the right notes: spicy, sour, and sweet, with just a trace of salt. Tequila Is Being Touted as a Health Drink But Read This Before You Say Cheers!. If you're not sure where to start exploring this fantastic drink, don't worry, we have you covered. This same plant can be used in making mezcal. The success of this brand directly impacts the people and communities who produce it, a rarity when it comes to agave distillates.". Mezcal does not get you drunker than tequila since tequila and mezcal technically have the same ABV (alcohol by volume). These weber blue agave plants can be used with mezcal. To make mezcal, the liquids within the pia are distilled twice. Although both spirits are made from agave, they differ in flavor, production methods, and origination. While it is a flexible element in a cocktail, it is recommended to test mezcal on its own before making a drink with it. It is the darkest mezcal, aged for nearly a year in wood. The brand focuses on providing quality mezcal while staying as sustainable as possible. Both mezcal and tequila are agave-based spirits that contain high alcohol. Well, we have a suggestion for you: mezcal. Both mezcal and tequila fall in the range of 38 to 55 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). What Happens When You Drink on an Empty Stomach? There is typically a stronger flavor to tequila than mezcal. For starters, tequila is made from the blue agave plant, while mezcal can be made from any type of agave. The other factor pertains to harvesting, which is a labor-intensive process. This co-op implements a host of different sustainability efforts, such as planting three times as many agave plants as they harvest. This article, Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can worsen the side effects of alcohol consumption and bring them on faster than usual. As it's risen in popularity, mezcal is usually described to newcomers as .css-1es3cx1{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#004685;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#004685;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1es3cx1:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}tequila's smoky cousin. This particular expression is double-distilled and offers an ABV of 45 percent. Read: That stuff's expensive. Del Maguey has the same strong relationships with the same producers [after] more than 25 years," he says. To offset their harvest of 673 Tobala agaves, Sombra planted 20,000 in their place. Tobal is referred to as "the king of mezcals" because the agave plant is more scarce and harder to harvest. This same type of plant is also used to make mezcal. A new TikTok trend is sweeping college campuses across America and its certainly turning heads. In a Negroni, any mezcal may be substituted for, taking the center of attention. Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that's another matter. Tequila, which is a type of mezcal, contains additives. In general, though, mezcal is likely to be slightly stronger than vodka. A certain mezcal can be stronger than a specific tequila, but the opposite can also be true. Then add your favorite ginger beer to finish it off. The quality of the Agave is usually attributed to the smoky odor created by the underground ovens used to cook it. Finally, mezcal is often smoky in flavor, while tequila is not. It uses the natural sweetness of the agave, resulting in a smooth, balanced, smokey flavor. The state is naturally diversified, including woods, sandy beaches, and desert topography. Mezcal is a distilled spirit that has recently experienced a sharp rise in popularity. Should you go with the classic wine or beer?