The most important things summarized in a nutshell:
- Tequila is a type of mezcal, so all tequila is mezcal
- Tequila must be made from 100% Blue Weber Agave
- Tequila and mezcal must come from specific regions
Tequila and Mezcal have a lot of flavors in them. Unfortunately, many of us are somewhat damaged by the ominous Sierra Tequila (of course, there are also many who love and honor it and that’s totally okay, of course). Still, it’s not uncommon to hear that someone has had too much tequila with lemon and can’t smell the stuff anymore. Since there wasn’t that much choice in our country, the Sierra with the sombrero cover had to hold out.
Luckily we have the choice for you! With us you can buy Mezcal and Tequila from regional manufacturers in Mexico online. Take a sip and enjoy the passion and craftsmanship that goes into these spirits.
For better enjoyment, here are the most important facts about tequila and mezcal .
Tequila vs Mezcal: The Differences
All tequilas are mezcals. Mezcal, on the other hand, is a spirit made from agave. So tequila is also made from agave. Tequila is just a special kind of mezcal made exclusively from 100% Blue Weber Agave . Appropriately, this plant species is also called Agave tequilana .
How nice when something that seems complicated is actually so uncomplicated.
Incidentally, there are over 30 varieties of agave that are used to make mezcal . What that may be in order to be able to call the result Mezcal is prescribed by law. In total there are over 200 species of agave. However, most of them are not so suitable for the production of Mezcal or Tequila for various reasons.
The agave species is an important feature for Mezcal lovers, as the variety used has a significant influence on the taste – just like the grape variety in wine, the bean in coffee or the grain type in whiskey.
There are agaves that grow up to 50 years. Caring for and managing these agaves is a job in itself. Accordingly, there are farmers who deal exclusively with it. Incidentally, the two most commonly used agave species are Agave angustifolia and Espadin .
Other differences between mezcal and tequila
Growing areas:
In addition to the agave variety, tequila must come from certain regions in Mexico: from the state of Jalisco or from isolated areas of the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit or Tamaulipas.
Mezcal, on the other hand, must be produced in or around the city of Oaxaca or isolated areas of Guerrero, Guanajuato, Durango, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Michoacan or Zacatecas. However, Oaxaca is by far the most important region. About 80% of all Mezcals come from here.
Manufacturing:
Mezcal and tequila are made from agaves, which must first be cooked. In the case of tequila, normal above-ground ovens are used for this. Traditional underground fire pits (palenque) made of volcanic rock are used for mezcal. The stones are heated with fire while the agaves lie in the pit for a few days to cook.
Maturation:
There is no difference in the maturation time and the corresponding designation of the distillates. Tequila and mezcal are divided into the following categories, depending on how long they were stored in wooden barrels:
- Blanco: not aged in barrel or exceptionally less than 2 months
- Reposado: matured between 2 months and 1 year
- Anejo: aged between 12 and 36 months in wooden barrels
- Extra Anejo: matured in barrel for more than 36 months
Have you got the taste to determine the differences with your own taste buds? The Huizache Tequila Reposado is great for beginners and also experienced tequila drinkers. It was stored in a Californian whiskey cask for 3 months and as a result developed very fruity notes and aromas of vanilla and cherry, among other things. The awards he has received speak for themselves.