Tequila vs Mezcal
“One tequila, two tequila, three tequila floor!”
Although catchy and fun, all tequila isn’t meant to be downed with your bros egging you to do your tenth shot. Sure, the cheap ones reign freely and abundantly at any college party and last-minute Cinco de Mayo event, but with the range and variety of fine tequila and mezcal out there, many are made to be sipped and enjoyed in a timely manner. Wait…was that a typo? Tequila AND mezcal? Aren’t they the same thing?
TLDR
To put it plainly, no. And yes. Think of mezcal as whiskey (or whisky) and tequila as scotch or bourbon or rye or wheat or… you get the picture. Tequila is a mezcal but mezcal is not a tequila. It’s a variety of mezcal. Both use agave as their base but tequila is made from the Weber blue agave variety and can only be produced in five of the nine agave growing states of Mexico. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made of agave from any of the nine states with Oaxaca taking up 66% of the total! To do a more in-depth look, let’s delve into the nuances of each. Or feel free to order your own and taste the difference!
The Nitty-Gritty of Tequila
Tequila, often regarded as the pioneer of celebratory libations, has deep roots in the sun-kissed soils of select regions in Mexico, predominantly within the confines of Jalisco. This iconic spirit is meticulously crafted from the piña, the heart of the Blue Weber agave plant, in a process that mirrors a symphony of craftsmanship. The agave plants, often cultivated in highland and lowland regions, take several years to mature before their hearts are harvested. Once collected, these piñas undergo a distinctive roasting process—whether in traditional hornos or modern autoclaves—converting their starches into fermentable sugars.
Post-harvest, the agave nectar is fermented, leading to the creation of a low-alcohol liquid known as pulque. The subsequent distillation process transforms this into the vibrant and potent spirit we know as Tequila. Now, the delightful nuances of Tequila emerge in its diverse expressions. Blanco, the unaged variety, exhibits a crisp and pure profile, allowing the true essence of the agave to shine. Reposado, with its rested period in oak barrels, introduces a mellow touch of oak that tempers the agave's vibrancy. Añejo, aged for a minimum of one year, showcases a delightful marriage of agave richness and intricate complexities akin to aged bourbons.
As you raise your glass with lime and salt poised for the traditional ritual, bear in mind the rich tapestry of flavors and the artisanal journey each Tequila undertakes. Let Tequila not just be a festive companion but a testament to the vibrant culture and meticulous craftsmanship embedded in every sip at the heart of any fiesta!
The Essence of Mezcal
Step into the world of Mezcal, not as an enigmatic relative but as a distinguished artisan, adorned with a metaphorical charro hat and surrounded by an alluring cloud of aromatic smoke. What sets Mezcal apart is its embrace of various agave varieties, ranging from the widely used Espadín to the rare Tobalá, each contributing distinct and captivating flavors. The alchemy takes place in palenques, where agave hearts roast underground, a traditional method that imparts the spirit with its iconic smoky allure. Rooted in heritage, Mezcal production often involves the use of stone mills and wooden vats, underscoring its artisanal character.
The magic doesn't end there; Mezcal captures the essence of the agave plant in its purest, unabashedly smoky form. The complexity of this spirit unfolds with each sip, offering a sensory journey that reflects both tradition and innovation. If Tequila ignites the festivities, consider Mezcal the maestro, orchestrating a spirited tune of its own, infused with the rich tapestry of agave diversity. So, here's to the lively interplay between these two remarkable spirits—a toast to the unique flavors and cultural richness they bring to the world of libations!
You Be the Judge!
Whether you’re a Weber blue agave purist or just someone hoping to move on from being the “shot guy/girl”, there’s something for everyone in the agave world! If sipping is your jam try the Clase Azul Reposado Tequila or the Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila, both on sale! If you'd like to try a nice mezcal, sip on Montelobos Ensamble at an affordable $83.99 or the Sombra Mezcal Joven at the great price of $47.99! Or browse our selection and find some hidden gems here!
Although catchy and fun, all tequila isn’t meant to be downed with your bros egging you to do your tenth shot. Sure, the cheap ones reign freely and abundantly at any college party and last-minute Cinco de Mayo event, but with the range and variety of fine tequila and mezcal out there, many are made to be sipped and enjoyed in a timely manner. Wait…was that a typo? Tequila AND mezcal? Aren’t they the same thing?
TLDR
To put it plainly, no. And yes. Think of mezcal as whiskey (or whisky) and tequila as scotch or bourbon or rye or wheat or… you get the picture. Tequila is a mezcal but mezcal is not a tequila. It’s a variety of mezcal. Both use agave as their base but tequila is made from the Weber blue agave variety and can only be produced in five of the nine agave growing states of Mexico. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made of agave from any of the nine states with Oaxaca taking up 66% of the total! To do a more in-depth look, let’s delve into the nuances of each. Or feel free to order your own and taste the difference!
The Nitty-Gritty of Tequila
Tequila, often regarded as the pioneer of celebratory libations, has deep roots in the sun-kissed soils of select regions in Mexico, predominantly within the confines of Jalisco. This iconic spirit is meticulously crafted from the piña, the heart of the Blue Weber agave plant, in a process that mirrors a symphony of craftsmanship. The agave plants, often cultivated in highland and lowland regions, take several years to mature before their hearts are harvested. Once collected, these piñas undergo a distinctive roasting process—whether in traditional hornos or modern autoclaves—converting their starches into fermentable sugars.
Post-harvest, the agave nectar is fermented, leading to the creation of a low-alcohol liquid known as pulque. The subsequent distillation process transforms this into the vibrant and potent spirit we know as Tequila. Now, the delightful nuances of Tequila emerge in its diverse expressions. Blanco, the unaged variety, exhibits a crisp and pure profile, allowing the true essence of the agave to shine. Reposado, with its rested period in oak barrels, introduces a mellow touch of oak that tempers the agave's vibrancy. Añejo, aged for a minimum of one year, showcases a delightful marriage of agave richness and intricate complexities akin to aged bourbons.
As you raise your glass with lime and salt poised for the traditional ritual, bear in mind the rich tapestry of flavors and the artisanal journey each Tequila undertakes. Let Tequila not just be a festive companion but a testament to the vibrant culture and meticulous craftsmanship embedded in every sip at the heart of any fiesta!
The Essence of Mezcal
Step into the world of Mezcal, not as an enigmatic relative but as a distinguished artisan, adorned with a metaphorical charro hat and surrounded by an alluring cloud of aromatic smoke. What sets Mezcal apart is its embrace of various agave varieties, ranging from the widely used Espadín to the rare Tobalá, each contributing distinct and captivating flavors. The alchemy takes place in palenques, where agave hearts roast underground, a traditional method that imparts the spirit with its iconic smoky allure. Rooted in heritage, Mezcal production often involves the use of stone mills and wooden vats, underscoring its artisanal character.
The magic doesn't end there; Mezcal captures the essence of the agave plant in its purest, unabashedly smoky form. The complexity of this spirit unfolds with each sip, offering a sensory journey that reflects both tradition and innovation. If Tequila ignites the festivities, consider Mezcal the maestro, orchestrating a spirited tune of its own, infused with the rich tapestry of agave diversity. So, here's to the lively interplay between these two remarkable spirits—a toast to the unique flavors and cultural richness they bring to the world of libations!
You Be the Judge!
Whether you’re a Weber blue agave purist or just someone hoping to move on from being the “shot guy/girl”, there’s something for everyone in the agave world! If sipping is your jam try the Clase Azul Reposado Tequila or the Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila, both on sale! If you'd like to try a nice mezcal, sip on Montelobos Ensamble at an affordable $83.99 or the Sombra Mezcal Joven at the great price of $47.99! Or browse our selection and find some hidden gems here!