What Do You Mix With Mezcal? First, mezcal should be sipped slowly and savored. There are several differences between mezcal and tequila, including taste and how and where theyre produced. In Mexico, mezcal is traditionally consumed straight. When it comes to mezcal, the spirit always has a certain smokiness to it. Both drinks have a high alcohol content, with an average of 40% ABV, but mezcal has a higher alcohol concentration - 55% ABV, 15% stronger than regular tequila. Answered (2023 Updated), Which Country Consumes The Most Whiskey Overall? They're not a requirement or indication of good mezcal; if anything, they should deter you. Our recipes are curated and written by some of the best in the business from around the world. If you order a mezcal or tequila neat or on the rocks at a bar, you're likely to get a spirit with an ABV of around 40%; this is the same as the vast majority of spirits sold across the world. MyBartender focuses on the world of cocktail making mixology and tips for becoming a better bartender. This same plant can be used in making mezcal. No, not necessarily. Reposado or rested is aged between two months to a year, aejo aged between one to two years, and the Extra Aejo Tequila, aged three years or more. Mezcal is made in a variety of ways, but the most common method is to roast the agave plant in a pit oven. So, is mezcal stronger than tequila? Required fields are marked *. The young mezcal is called Joven, and for tequila, it is Blanco. Ryan Fitzgerald, the owner ofABVin San Francisco, is among the many enthusiastic bar pros who find themselves constantly reaching for this bottle for more reasons than one. In addition to corn syrup or other fillers, there may be another type of sweetener available. (2023), Madeira vs Marsala Wine: Whats the Difference? Tequila is a type of mezcal cooked from ripe agave pia for a minimum of two days in traditional ovens. Mezcal is a distilled spirit made from any type of agave plant. That's what gives mezcal its smokiness. Then add your favorite ginger beer to finish it off. The spirit is derived from the state of Oaxaca, and it is believed to be the spiritual successor to tequila. Production: Mezcal is made by cooking the agave in pits underground. Tequila is created from a unique kind of agave called blue weber agave. Is mezcal stronger than tequila? Producing mezcal is easier since it can be sourced from over 150 maguey species, including wild varieties. Once cooked, it is shredded and fermented. This article, The paleo diet is based on eating foods similar to those eaten by the first humans millions of years ago. The success of this brand directly impacts the people and communities who produce it, a rarity when it comes to agave distillates.". A blend of agaves is mixed for this alcoholic beverage. Mezcal is made by distilling agave. Second, vodka is typically filtered more than Everclear, so it may not be quite as strong. It also substitutes tequila without making it unrecognizable as a margarita. The brand produces three types of mezcal, reposado, anejo, and joven, each made by using 100% Espadin agave. All the above distinctions are why mezcals generally have a better chance of tasting multi-dimensional, says Gaston. Encompassing sweet, spicy, floral, and numerous other tasting notes, mezcals offer a diverse collection of flavors that can appease even the pickiest of drinkers. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants (2). If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. If you're looking to mix this spirit into a cocktail, make sure to find one that works for both sipping and mixing. The first release of Ensamble is just 2,000 bottles, and, with an ABV of 51 percent, Delanoy notes that the higher proof helps carry the spirits strong finish, lingering on the palate following light smoke and leading vegetal notes with layers of citrus. Since mezcal is a clear spirit, it can be paired with a variety of dishes. Some drinkers enjoy sipping more Agave-forward unaged expressions of aejo or extra aejo, whereas others prefer to sip them. Given the diverse nature of mezcal, no two bottles are the same. is mezcal stronger than vodka. There are different strengths of tequila and mezcal, but the standards for each drink are 40% and 55% ABV. Mezcal can be made from over 30 different types of agave, but the vast majority is made from a variety known as Agave espadin. Its a great brand to get behind, and this bottle is as approachable as it is versatile. The outer leaves of the agave plant are chopped away from the pia or the heart of the agave plant, which the distillers utilize to manufacture mezcal. In a Negroni, any mezcal may be substituted for gin, with the vermouth and Campari taking the center of attention. That smoke can be mild at times and strong at other times. In short: You can blame agave for endless fun nights, and all the drunken texts you never meant to. IZO is made with only wild agave, which tends to have a much stronger flavor. It is also called little water because of its appearance. Soon after, other mezcal producers followed suit. . Ron Zacapa 23 Rum. Shake the drink on the rocks, add ice to the frozen cocktail, or straight up. 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. The two have the same strength and can get a person drunk if consumed fast. 4.12 What happens if you eat the worm in mezcal? Here are the age distinctions: Blanco or Silver: tequila that is bottled immediately after distillation or aged for fewer than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels. I was born and raised in Mexico, and my passion for food began at a young age. 7 Evidence-Based Ways to Prevent Hangovers. But is tequila a depressant or a stimulant? Devil Springs Vodka. The mezcal variation replaces the vodka with mezcal, a smoky, earthy spirit made from agave. However, mezcal is technically not stronger than tequila because tequila and mezcal are bottled with the same ABV (alcohol by volume) per bottle. Our top pick is the Del Maguey Vida Mezcal (view at Drizly) because of its versatile nature. While it is a flexible element in a cocktail, it is recommended to test mezcal on its own before making a drink with it. 2. Both spirits utilize a basic method of cooking, fermenting, and distilling agave hearts, but the similarities end there. . All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila! A Moscow mule has all the ingredients for a straightforward and spirited mezcal cocktail. Mezcal is not necessarily stronger than agave. But its origins unquestionably lie with the indigenous peoples of southern Mexico . Agaves for mezcal production are harvested and processed from nine Mexican States: Oaxaca is in Central Mexico and produces most of the agaves used for mezcal production. Mezcal can also be described by its class. In a way, many mezcals are stronger than tequila, or it could also be the other way around. Mezcal Negroni also really easy to do, so you'll be able to relax in no time. Secondly, tequila must be made in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, while mezcal can be made anywhere in the country. Mezcal is commonly referred to as tequila's smoky cousin. One vodka brand can make much stronger vodka than the other. According to Mexican law, tequila can only be produced in these five regions of Mexico (4): Variations in climate can affect the flavor and quality of the final beverage. The brand focuses on providing quality mezcal while staying as sustainable as possible. Mezcal producers have a more savory and potent product that is now slowly competing against tequila. For starters, it's not even a worm, it's a larvaand it's a giant gimmick. Factory employees are paid 250 percent above minimum wage and are also provided healthcare. Your Guide to Alcohol Blood Testing Procedures. Mezcal may be manufactured from 40 to 50 different species. Greengos Cantina' website is all about Mexican cuisine. It could be in relation to the alcohol content, which will make you drunk faster, or which tastes the strongest. Lisa is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in nightlife, leisure, and celebration. It is usually enjoyed in a spicy margarita or bloody maria. Mezcal is a distilled spirit derived from the agave plant, which is also how we get tequila. Her work can be found in her cookbook, Tasting Pennsylvania, and her site, the Dharma Kitchen. Creating this distilled spirit is similar to how wine grapes are made. Tequila and mezcal are both between 38% and 55% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is around 76 to 110 proof. Fill the shaker about three-quarters full of ice and aggressively shake for 10 seconds if serving "up" or 15 seconds if serving "on the rocks." However, that's not necessarily correct. 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. As a marketing gimmick, he began putting "worms" in all of his bottles. In New York City, Casa Mezcal has three levels of bar space, each designed to evoke Oaxaca in the Big Apple. When the Spanish conquistadors came in the 16th century, they started distilling the agave liquids to manufacture mezcal. In general, though, mezcal is likely to be slightly stronger than vodka. [2] 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. It's great for both sipping and mixing, and we love the brand's dedication to preserving the culture and heritage of Mezcal. 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. Paul Kushner This spirit represents celebration and ritual. In a tequila-based drink, you can substitute vodka. This refined aperitif is a great way to unwind after dinner. There are more than 200 types of agave plants, 45 to 50 of which are used to make mezcal, Gaston says. That is why tequilas are considered mezcal [. ] It is more enjoyable with the smokiness of mezcal in the background and a salt rim. By law, the spirit can only be made in nine States of Mexico. The agave plant is native to Mexico and has been used to make alcoholic beverages for centuries. When it comes to mezcal, the spirit always has a certain smokiness to it. Just like different types of alcohol have different percentages of alcohol by volume (ABV) or alcohol content, so can different brands. Expect complex notes of butterscotch, vanilla, citrus, pineapple, and subtle smoke. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. It's quite a bit stronger than other bubbly brunch cocktails thanks to the vodka, but that shouldn't stop you from giving it a try! There may be more agave breeds used in making mezcals, but these are made in small batches. - a Spanish word that means "young" and also means "bright" or "clear. Del Maguey has the same strong relationships with the same producers [after] more than 25 years," he says. Kunkel highly recommends either trying Ensemble in cocktails or sipping it on its own. 10 Things You Should Know Before Drinking Mezcal, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. The second is Artisanal which is the fusion of old and new methods but with a couple of prohibitions. So, tequila is a type of mezcal, since any spirit made from agave is classified as such. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant and vodka is made from a starch or sugar rich plant. Tequila is one of the most popular liquors at an affordable price. It just has a reputation as one of the stronger spirits. There is no universal ABV content for all kinds of tequila and all kinds of vodka. Anejo tequilas and mezcals have a darker color, closer to a whiskey or rum, and an even stronger flavor profile, depending on the barrel they were aging in. When you add in the smokiness of mezcal, you've got yourself a match made in heaven. Tequila has a sweeter taste because of the sugar and honey added to enhance the taste. This mezcal is made from 100 percent Espadn agave and has an ABV of 43 percent. The brand has a revolutionary spirit and adheres to traditional ways of making smooth mezcals. This gives Mezcal its charac. With a 47% ABV, you should sip this refreshing Oaxacan mezcal. Mezcal can be aged in a variety of barrel styles, and while tequila is typically served neat, it can also be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Taste: Mezcal has a warm smokiness and the flavor will depend on the type of agave used to produce it. Tequila is more expensive than vodka. . Agave is a large, flowering succulent that thrives in the desert climates of Mexico and Southwestern parts of the United States. It is a brand that values history and authenticity. However, in other countries, especially in the United States, mezcal is taking center stage as a craft cocktail ingredient. Then, the agave is roasted for several days in pits in the ground. Some tequilas are so silky and delicate that they can stand in for, in any drink. Svedka 100. Meanwhile, Jalisco is the epicenter of tequila production. It is the darkest mezcal, aged for nearly a year in wood. Mezcal is the general category for any distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, so tequila is technically a type of mezcal. However, drinking it in moderation is still advised despite being a healthier choice. These are also mixed in cocktails. 230 S Broad St 17th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 2023 | All Rights Reserved. - means rested. Tequilas go through second or third filtration to increase the alcohol contents before getting bottled. Price at time of publish: From $111 for 750ml Bottle, Erik Delanoy, a longtime New York City bartender, is a big fan of Sombras specialEnsambleexpression, deeming it splurge-worthy for several reasons. People Are Decorating Their Fridges On TikTok, 58 Cult-Favorite Items You Have to Try at ALDI, 16 Heart-Shaped Foods To Get On Valentine's Day. This is due to the fact that mezcal is made with a higher percentage of agave, which is a natural sweetener. Mezcal is a distilled spirit made from cooked and fermented agave plants. But is, These weber blue agave plants can be used with mezcal. Does mezcal get you drunker than tequila? This will help you determine if you want something light and fruity or deep and full-bodied. Mezcal mules have a smoky, earthy flavor that pairs well with the ginger beer and lime. Overall, vodka can be a good substitute for Everclear, but it's important to keep these things in mind before using it. Mezcal is one of the most versatile types of tequila, despite the fact that there are several other types. 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. Our shop uses cookies. However, that's not necessarily correct. Gin is one of the best vodka substitutes and it offers lemon, juniper, and vanilla flavor. If you're not sure where to start exploring this fantastic drink, don't worry, we have you covered. The U.S. government defines vodka as "neutral. What are some characteristics of each? This mezcals distiller, Amando Alvarez, is known for his collaborations with a local foundation aiming to reforest indigenous agave species and protect the biosphere in the process. The stronger the proof, the stronger the aroma and tasting notes will be. You can find a bottle of tequila for less than $10. Katy Guest, New York Account Specialist for El Silencio, shares her thoughts onmixing with this mezcal: The smoked agave does not overpower the drink, nor does it lose the flavor, she shares. Mezcal is pure 100% maguey, which explains the concentrated liquid. First is the Joven or Gold Tequila, a mix of tequila Blanco and Reposado. 57 100 Proof. Since it's so widespread, the taste can vary wildly from bottle to bottle. Gin is most suitable to make a great vodka cocktail but you can also substitute gin to add its bold taste to your recipes. However, there are some vodka brands that are much higher in alcohol content (up to 50% ABV), so it really depends on the specific products being compared. Mezcal is gaining popularity, and there are many good brands at a reasonable price. Mezcal, on the other hand, has a different price range. You don't have to choose between Mezcal and tequila with this contemporary old-fashioned because it has both. Is mezcal stronger than regular tequila? "They truly care about mezcal, its culture, and its people. As such, it can be a blend of two different varieties of the plant, toosimilar to a blend of different wine grapes. Creating this distilled spirit is similar to how wine grapes are made. This drink is light and refreshing, and the vodka helps to balance out the spiciness of the ginger beer. "Mezcal is becoming the spirit of. (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." Then add your favorite ginger beer to finish it off. Many people believe that mezcal has a more robust flavor than tequila. It is a darker mezcal that's been matured in wood for at least two months but less than a year. I started my blog as a way to share my love of Mexican food with the world, to show people that Mexican food can be healthy, delicious, and easy to make. The espadin is a great mixing mezcal. Password* Toon Hide That is why tequilas are considered mezcal [2] but not all mezcal is tequila. Cline Bossart has spent the past seven years writing about all things wine and spirits, and mezcal has become a personal favorite of hers along the way. I come from a family of passionate cooks, and I learned early on that cooking is a great way to show your love for others. Cooking and Distillation Process - It's a Tie! By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week. Think of it this way mezcal is the overarching term for . Tequila and mezcal are both in the range of about 38% to 55% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which is 76-110 proof. Mezcal is stronger than tequila if you base it on its alcohol concentration. Agave can be made from a variety of different types, giving it a much broader flavor range. Tequila has a sweeter flavor than Mezcal and is often used in mixed drinks. It has a more complex and fruitier flavor than other tequilas. It is a popular spirit for cocktails such as the Negroni, as well as the Margarita and the Martinez. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); GIPHY App Key not set. Combine the mezcal, Limonada, triple sec, and bitters in a pitcher to prepare this. One of the key differences between these spirits is the place of origin they could be made. Feel free to reach out to us if you are interested in working with us for content creation and recipes. Mezcal does not get you drunker than tequila since tequila and mezcal technically have the same ABV (alcohol by volume). They are a bit more complex than the vodka version, and make a great cocktail for winter months. 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Mybartender.com | Privacy. .css-13cdu9y{display:block;font-family:GTHaptikBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13cdu9y:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13cdu9y{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13cdu9y{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13cdu9y{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13cdu9y{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}People Are Losing It Over Tipping, How I Lost 10 Pounds For My High School Reunion, The History Of King Cake And The Plastic Baby. They're made from different varieties of agave. Some of the best tequilas include Casamigos, Don Julio, and Herradura. This is because the fermenting and distilling process removes the proteins from the wheat that contain gluten. She believes you can never go wrong with a Moscow Mule or a classic Daiquiri anywhere you go. Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that's another matter. It has an earthy flavor with hints of smoke from the roasted agave plant from which it is made. 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. Mezcal is a type of Mexican alcoholic beverage in the tequila family. Mezcal can be made from any number of agave species, including the blue variety. However, Tequila is made using only the blue agave plant and is typically produced in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. The reason many people say mezcal is healthier is that it is always made from 100% Agave Nectar (by law). by Since the 1890s, standard vodkas have been 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) (80 U.S. proof). Tequila is a type of mezcal produced by roasting agave in industrial furnaces before distilling it 2-3 times in copper pots. But is mezcal stronger than tequila? These weber blue agave plants can be used with mezcal. Pechuga is often used for special occasions, such as an offering for Dia de los Muertos altars. A Weber Agave is available in a blue hue. The smoky flavor of the mezcal pairs well with grilled meats or spicy dishes.