So what flavor profile distinguishes mezcal from tequila, among other factors that make the two liquors unique?
Sarah Malikis an Associate Professor at Johnson & Wales University’s Charlotte Campus.
Mezcal is any spirit made from an agave plant.
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn
In addition to Oaxaca, eight other states produce mezcal.
How Mezcal Is Made
Mezcal is typically made in small batches.
When the pinas are done roasting, they’re mashed and then fermented.
Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Mezcal can be aged for a deeper flavor and color, but it isn’t required.
“The stronger the alcohol, the more preserved the worm would appear.
“To this day, theHypopta agaviscaterpillar is used in the mezcal production process.
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman
The critter helps break down sugars in the agave plant matter that transform mezcal into an alcoholic spirit.
What Mezcal Tastes Like
What flavor profile distinguishes mezcal from tequila, you ask?
Mezcal often bears smoky notes, whereas tequila does not.
While the most prominent flavor is the sweet agave, you also get hints of savory smoke and earthiness.
What Is Tequila?
Where Tequila Is From
“Tequila is primarily made in Jalisco,” Malik says.
Select municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas also produce tequila.
To qualify as tequila, the spirit must be made in one of these specific areas.
How Tequila Is Made
Malik calls tequila production “very interesting.”
This process allows the sugars to develop,” Malik explains.
Types Of Mezcal
Joven, reposado, anejo are all types of mezcal.
Joven means young, reposado means rested, and anejo means aged.
The difference between each is the length of time the spirit has spent aging in a barrel.
Mezcal has a higher alcohol content than tequila, typically between 40% and 55%.
Joven Mezcal
Joven mezcal is usually unaged but can be aged up to two months.
It offers the purest flavor of agave.
Reposado Mezcal
Reposado mezcal is aged two to 12 months and features light woody notes.
Anejo Mezcal
Anejo mezcal is aged for a minimum of one year.
The longer it ages, the richer and more complex the flavor profile becomes.
Types Of Tequila
Like mezcal, there are joven, reposado, and anejo tequilas.
Additionally, there are blanco and extra anejo varieties of tequila.
Most tequilas have 40% alcohol content, though the percentage can range from 35% to 55%.
The tequila variety is light in color, from which its name is derived.
“Younger tequilas are often spicier with aromas and flavors of citrus and herbal notes,” Malik adds.
Reposado Tequila
Golden-colored reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for two to 12 months.
Beyond oaky hints, it features warm notes of vanilla and baking spices.
When To Use Mezcal
What flavor profile distinguishes mezcal from tequila more than any other?
Because mezcal has that added depth, it’s excellent on the rocks.
“Mezcal is more conducive to a sipping spirit rather than mixed into a cocktail,” Malik says.
