Cooking the agave in pits in the ground gives it a strong smoky flavor. The distillation process follows in column stills. You're invited to a party, and you don't know what drinks to bring. Once cooked, it is shredded and fermented. Tequila is also a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. Tequila is more expensive than vodka. Some tequilas are so silky and delicate that they can stand in for vodka in any drink. The Pechuga process typically involves suspending a raw chicken or turkey breast along with local fruits and nuts over the mezcal during final distillation, which mixes with the liquids vapors and imparts a subtle flavor to the final product. Finally, mezcal is best enjoyed with food. As a representation of its region (Ejutla, Oaxaca), it is a light-bodied and highly-nuanced mezcal offering tropical notes such as banana and pineapple alongside sultry smoke. Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants (2). Tequila is a type of mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequila. Mezcal and tequila are made via distinct production methods. Tequila is a distilled spirit made only from the blue agave plant. It has an herb and citrus aroma and has flavors of honey, peanut, brown sugar, wood, chocolate, and fruit notes. Everything You Need To Know About This Spirit. At 42 percent ABV and consistently under $50, the Ensemble expression is made from 90 percent Espadn and 10 percent Barril agave. Some people may find that mezcal tastes stronger than tequila while others may not notice a difference. Mezcal mules have a smoky, earthy flavor that pairs well with the ginger beer and lime. Many would drink Mezcal fresh from the bottle at ambient temperature. Agave is removed from the ground by hand using traditional tools (think machete and manpower). Is mezcal stronger than vodka? But can you be allergic to tequila? Tequila and mezcal are both in the range of about 38% to 55% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which is 76-110 proof. Since the 1890s, standard vodkas have been 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) (80 U.S. proof). Tequila can only be made from blue agave plants. So, which is stronger? That's complete folklore. Tequila is one of the most popular liquors at an affordable price. Meanwhile, Jalisco is the epicenter of tequila production. There are six varieties, and each one has flavors that showcase the differences of each village, while still adhering to the brand as a whole. There are several ways to interpret "stronger" in spirits. Tequila and mezcal are both between 38% and 55% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is around 76 to 110 proof. Factory employees are paid 250 percent above minimum wage and are also provided healthcare. You can sip it on its own or add it to your favorite cocktail. These mezcals are typically more expensive and have a more intense flavor than those that are only distilled once. Mezcal aficionados insist this is the only way to truly enjoy and savor its full flavor. Unlike the wider mezcal category, which encompasses spirits made from upwards of 30 different types of agave, tequila can be made only with blue agave in just five Mexican states. Her work can be found in her cookbook, Tasting Pennsylvania, and her site, the Dharma Kitchen. In the 1950s, a mezcal manufacturer discovered larvae in a batch of his alcohol and felt the insect enhanced the flavor. Heres a look at the nutritional value of these sugar substitutes. The famously smoky spirit seems like a prime candidate for an alcohol-softening dash of juice or soda if ever there was one. There are premium tequila bottles that are sold for top dollars. The history of the Mezcal drink is still unknown, despite being one of the most popular drinks in recent times. 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. Mezcal is meant to be enjoyed slowly and should not be taken as a shot. This is not your typical mixed drink. This brand makes its types of mezcal with 100% Espadin agave, and each variety of mezcal is reflective of the village in which it is made. Mezcal is a distilled spirit that has recently experienced a sharp rise in popularity. Since mezcal is made with various wild and rare agaves, sustainability is an important cause for many mezcal brands and enthusiasts. Svedka 100. Serve in an old-fashioned glass with an orange peel garnish to keep it elegant. Some brands also make it from other . Belvedere Intense 100 Proof. Stir everything together thoroughly, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours. If you're not sure where to start exploring this fantastic drink, don't worry, we have you covered. Is mezcal stronger than tequila? The spirit was first made back in the 16th century by the invading conquistadors. MyBartender focuses on the world of cocktail making mixology and tips for becoming a better bartender. The Incas used the juices of the maguey plant, a relative of the agave, to manufacture an undistilled alcoholic beverage called pulque, which dates back to roughly the year 250 CE. Originally from Mexico, mezcal has recently experienced a huge surge in popularity, and its not showing any signs of slowing down. There's ordinary mezcal, which may be crafted in any modern way. On the other hand, Mezcal is distilled in clay pots after being heated in earthen pits lined with lava rocks and loaded with charcoal and wood. A certain mezcal can be stronger than a specific tequila, but the opposite can also be true. This same plant can be used in making mezcal. However, the flavor of alcohol in a mezcal may be stronger than in tequila. Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that's another matter. It is also called little water because of its appearance. Overall, vodka can be a good substitute for Everclear, but it's important to keep these things in mind before using it. If we're talking ABV content, it mostly depends on the bottle of vodka or tequila you choose. The longer and traditional process produce higher quality mezcals as the flavors are more defined. Is the TikTok BORG Trend Just Another Form of Binge Drinking? Some bartenders feel the descriptor undercuts the spirit: Mezcal can taste a little charred because of the way it's produced, but you might also find some with floral, fruity, or earthy notes. Espadin is the most common among these plants, which is also a common mezcal variant. That is why tequilas are considered mezcal [2] but not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila is produced in a way similar to mezcal but it is not smoked and it is twice distilled to produce an 80-proof liquor no stronger than gin or vodka. 2019 Ted Fund Donors It's a truly artisanal product, before that term became fashionable. In short: You can blame agave for endless fun nights, and all the drunken texts you never meant to. There are many great tequilas on the market and it can be hard to choose just one. I have always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. Tequila and mezcal are both between 38% and 55% alcohol by volume , which is around 76 to 110 proof. While the regular mule is delicious, this variation is much better since the mezcal adds a degree of depth that the ordinary vodka base lacks. You're invited to a party, and you don't know what drinks to bring. Don't have an account yet?Create account, 2023 Advanced Mixology, Powered by Shopify. It is just tart enough and just sweet enough. Forgot your password? Traditionally, mezcal is sipped neat, so its flavors can tend to overpower a mixed drink. Agave tequila, on the other hand, is only 51% alcohol. The spirit isn't like vodka: It's not bottled to taste like pumpkin pie or strawberries. This refined aperitif is a great way to unwind after dinner. (For everything bad, mezcal, and for everything good, mezcal.) The result is an award winning vodka with a rich and smooth mouth feel. Yes. The spirit is derived from the state of Oaxaca, and it is believed to be the spiritual successor to tequila. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. So, is mezcal stronger than tequila? The Liquor Laboratory is intended for adults over the age of 21 and the legal drinking age. 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. 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. They are a bit more complex than the vodka version, and make a great cocktail for winter months. In addition to corn syrup or other fillers, there may be another type of sweetener available. There are different strengths of tequila and mezcal, but the standards for each drink are 40% and 55% ABV. A Moscow mule has all the ingredients for a straightforward and spirited mezcal cocktail. Spirytus vodka. Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that's another matter. Required fields are marked *. A hangover is caused by drinking too much alcohol, which causes a headache. Mezcal is a Mexican distilled beverage created from the agave plant, with Oaxaca accounting for 90% of production. 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." While mezcal may display the earthy, rustic taste in a mezcal margarita, this liquor has won over so many admirers. But, Slow and whiskey-like burn with a vegetal undertone, Reposado warm, medium-bodied with vanilla /, Aejo tequila is layered, smooth, long, and rich, Tequila, on the other hand, has four types. Please check settings. Larvae really do find their way into agave plants (and therefore the spirits produced from them), but many American bars add the little guys to bottles just to boost sales. While mezcal may display the earthy, rustic taste in a mezcal margarita, this liquor has won over so many admirers. When it comes to mezcal vs tequila, there are some key differences that you should be aware of. By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week. Sign in Mexican mezcal (or mescal) is one of the most fascinating spirits around. The reason many people say mezcal is healthier is that it is always made from 100% Agave Nectar (by law). It brings a new, exciting flavor profile to the well-established selection of spirits that have graced cocktail menus for generations. Yes, mezcal is stronger than tequila. This typically leads most people to believe that mezcal is stronger than tequila. The difference between mezcal and tequila begins with the ingredients. Paul Kushner After distillation, some distilleries would. Taste: Mezcal has a warm smokiness and the flavor will depend on the type of agave used to produce it. 7 Evidence-Based Ways to Prevent Hangovers. Producing mezcal is easier since it can be sourced from over 150 maguey species, including wild varieties. Internationally, mezcal has been recognized as an Appellation of Origin since 1994. Many see mezcals potency and smokiness as enticing, thus the increase in its production directly competing with tequila, another strong Mexican spirit. It is herbaceous and has cedar-like aromatics giving it an earthy finish. The new BORG trend, which stands for blackout rage, Different alcohol blood tests may be used depending on your reason for being tested. Gracias a Dios is Mexican-owned and is a fully solar-powered distillery. Mezcal gets its smoke from the way fresh agave is roasted to release the sugars that allow fermentation to take place. Mezcal has been around for more than 400 years, and is the first known distilled spirit in Latin America and on the Americas Continent. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Gaston was born and raised in Durango, Mexico, where mezcal has a storied historywe're talking centuries long. Mezcal is stronger than tequila if you base it on its alcohol concentration. The flavor differences in mezcal vs. tequila come down to the agave type and the location and climate of where it came, the cooking and distillation process used, and whether the spirit was aged. There is no one answer to this question as everyones taste buds are different. This underground oven is fueled with burning wood and covered with dirt, allowing the agave hearts to smoke and bake until theyre ready for fermentation (2). Mezcal is made in a variety of ways, but the most common method is to roast the agave plant in a pit oven. Not necessarily. It is not a shot to be taken all at once. In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, I opened my first restaurant/bar. Mezcal has a wide range of health benefits, including digestive health, inflammation reduction, and blood sugar regulation. Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal. Gin is most suitable to make a great vodka cocktail but you can also substitute gin to add its bold taste to your recipes. The ABV of these spirits ranges between 35-55%. In a tequila-based drink, you can substitute vodka. Vodka in the United States must have a minimum alcohol content of 40%. A cocktail with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in it is commonly served with salt on the rim. Contact at [emailprotected]or learn more about us here. Rey Campero means King of the Countryside in Spanish, and the brand is about presenting the culture of the small towns in Oaxaca that inspire them. Joaqun Sim, an owner of the beloved New York City barPouring Ribbons, stumbled upon his favorite mezcal of all time in a non-traditional manner. It showcases everything mezcal has to offer. Serve with or without ice in old-fashioned double glass or a bucket glass. The taste of it may be strongerit's more assertive in some ways than tequila, because it tends to be smokierbut in terms of the alcohol by volume (ABV), there's no real discrepancy between mezcal and tequila, or mezcal and most other distilled spirits. Save higher end mezcal for sipping, and use the lower priced bottles for cocktails. The reason that mezcal is not as alcoholic as tequila is that tequila and mezcal technically have the same alcohol by volume (ABV). Whether you are having fun at home or busy behind the bar of your local watering hole, we will supply you with the drink recipes to impress even the seasoned cocktail seeker. However, mezcal is technically not stronger than tequila because tequila and mezcal are bottled with the same ABV (alcohol by volume) per bottle. Only blue agave plants from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, are used to produce these popular Mexican spirits, tequilas. It's made in small batches, mostly in one-person or family-run distilleries, with supplies often going no further than the local town or village. Mezcal sales doubled in the first half of the 2010s. Agave plants can only be grown in one species, making tequila from only that type of plant. However, that's not necessarily correct. Agave plants can also be used in a mlange of styles. tequila fares better and has fewer calories per shot than vodka. To merit the name, mezcal must be at least 90 proof and is often distilled even stronger than that. The difference between tequila and mezcal in price value is almost threefold. Tequila has a sweeter taste because of the sugar and honey added to enhance the taste. Mezcal comes in varying colors that alter the flavor, similar to pale and dark rums. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You can add mezcals in cocktails, too, such as the mezcal margarita, but mezcals are not very affordable for cocktails. "They truly care about mezcal, its culture, and its people. Abocado means semisweet. is mezcal stronger than vodka. All the above distinctions are why mezcals generally have a better chance of tasting multi-dimensional, says Gaston. IZO is made with only wild agave, which tends to have a much stronger flavor. This mezcal is made with maguey Tobala, which is a type of agave, and the flavor profile is sweet with fruity notes. They're made from different varieties of agave. Mezcal and tequila are often confused for one another, as theyre both Mexican spirits made from similar ingredients. This means that gin will have a higher alcohol content than vodka because the flavoring and redistilling process allows more of the alcohol to be extracted from the grain. Then, the Blanco or the unaged, bottled after filtration. It is also called little water because of its appearance. This gives Mezcal its charac. These are also mixed in cocktails. Its traditionally consumed on its own, but its also making a name for itself in the world of craft cocktails. Pretty cool! The answer is Mezcal. Our recipes are curated and written by some of the best in the business from around the world. Mezcal, on the other hand, is earthy and smokey in flavor because of the roasted Agave fruit. Where does agave come from?