What is the Best Mezcal?
Get ready to embark on a thrilling mezcal adventure as we dive into the world of this delightful Mexican spirit. From the smoky wonders of Oaxaca to the earthy treasures of Durango, we’ll explore the six mezcals that deserve a special place on your palate. So grab your copita, pour yourself a glass of your favorite mezcal, and let’s explore the world of this fascinating spirit together. Salud!
SHOP THE PRODUCTSWhat’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila?
Mezcal and tequila are both Mexican spirits made from the agave plant, but there are some key differences between the two:
Agave Varieties: Tequila is made exclusively from the blue agave plant, while mezcal can be produced from a variety of agave species, including espadín and tobalá. This range of agave options gives mezcal a more diverse flavor profile than tequila.
Production Process: Tequila is typically made in industrial and the agave hearts (piñas) are crushed using mechanical methods. Mezcal, however, traditionally uses earthen pits lined with volcanic rocks to roast the agave, which adds to its smoky flavor. The agave is then crushed by a stone wheel called a tahona, or in some cases, by horse-drawn mills.
Smokiness: Mezcal is known for its smokiness, which is a result of the cooking process in underground pits. This smokiness is what differs mezcal from tequila, which generally has a milder and fruitier taste.
Where is Mezcal from?
Mezcal is primarily from Mexico, originally. It has deep cultural and historical roots in the country and, to date, is one of Mexico’s most cherished spirits. Mezcal production is regulated by the Mexican government to ensure its authenticity and quality. It is produced in various states across Mexico, with the most renowned mezcal-producing regions being Oaxaca, Durango, Guerrero, Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosí, among others.
Oaxaca, in particular, is often hailed as the mecca of mezcal production, known for its wide variety of mezcal styles and the expertise of its mezcaleros (mezcal producers). Each region brings its own distinct flavors and characteristics to the world of mezcal, making it a truly diverse and fascinating spirit to explore.
How Do You Drink Mezcal?
Drinking mezcal is a delightful experience that can be tailored to individual preferences. Here are a few guidelines on how to enjoy mezcal:
Glassware: Mezcal is traditionally served in a small clay cup called a copita, which allows you to fully appreciate its aromas and flavors. However, you can also use a small tulip-shaped glass or a snifter as an alternative.
Serving Temperature: Mezcal is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. Avoid serving it too cold, as extreme temperatures can mute the intricate flavors and aromas.
Sip, Don’t Shoot: Mezcal is meant to be sipped and savored slowly, appreciating its complexity. Avoid shooting mezcal like you would with some other spirits. Take small sips to fully experience the flavors.
Aromas and Observations: Before taking your first sip, take a moment to appreciate the aromas. Gently swirl the mezcal in the glass to release its bouquet. Notice the smoky, herbal, or fruity notes that unfold. Observe the color and clarity as well, as they can provide insights into the mezcal’s age and production methods.
Palate Cleansing: To fully appreciate the nuances of different mezcals, it’s a good practice to cleanse your palate between sips. Some plain water or unflavored crackers can help clear your taste buds and reset your senses.
Accompaniments: Mezcal can be enjoyed on its own or paired with certain accompaniments to enhance the tasting experience. Traditional pairings include orange slices sprinkled with sal de gusano (a salt blended with chili and the ground larvae of a type of moth), sliced apples, or roasted orange slices dusted with cinnamon. These accompaniments can complement and balance the flavors of mezcal.
Does Mezcal Make You Hallucinate?
Contrary to popular myths and misconceptions, mezcal does not inherently cause hallucinations. The notion that mezcal induces hallucinogenic effects likely stems from a confusion between mezcal and other substances, such as peyote or hallucinogenic mushrooms, which have been used in traditional rituals by certain indigenous communities in Mexico.
Mezcal, when consumed responsibly and in moderate amounts, is not known to produce hallucinations. It is an alcoholic spirit made from agave plants, and its effects are similar to those of other alcoholic beverages. The alcohol content in mezcal can affect individuals differently, and excessive consumption can lead to intoxication and impair judgment, but it does not induce hallucinations on its own.
How much does Mezcal cost?
The cost of mezcal can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the brand, quality, production methods, and rarity of the mezcal. Generally, mezcal is considered a premium spirit, and higher-quality mezcal often comes with a higher price tag.
On average, a standard bottle of mezcal can range from around $30 to $100.. This range includes a variety of mezcal brands and expressions, offering different flavor profiles and production techniques. However, it’s worth noting that there are also mezcal options available at higher price points, especially for rare or limited-edition releases, artisanal small-batch productions, or aged expressions.
The cost can also be influenced by factors such as the region of production, the agave variety used, and the reputation of the mezcal brand. Mezcals from certain regions, such as Oaxaca, where mezcal production has a long-standing tradition, may be priced at a premium due to their unique characteristics and cultural significance.
Why do they put a worm in the bottle?
Placing a worm in a bottle of mezcal is a longstanding tradition associated with varieties of this alcoholic beverage. Importantly, not all bottles of mezcal contain a worm, and it’s not a widespread practice across all mezcal brands or types.
The worm, or “gusano” in Spanish, is called Hypopta agavis. The larvae infest the agave plants from which mezcal is made, and they are typically found in the piña, the heart of the agave plant. During the process of making mezcal, the agave piñas are roasted, fermented, and distilled to produce the spirit.
Including a worm is more of a marketing gimmick rather than a necessary enhancement of the drink. In the past, it was believed that the presence of the worm was a sign of the mezcal’s quality, but this is not accurate, as the worm has no direct relation to the quality or taste of the mezcal.
Our Mezcal Recommendations
Here are six of our favorite mezcals – ones we think are a great bang for your buck and ones that we think are just downright memorable:
400 Conejos Mezcal
“400 Conejos® is finely crafted from 100% agaves and carries ancient Mesoamerican traditions in every bottle. This award-winning mezcal is perfectly balanced and smooth with soft hints of wood, sweet notes of cooked agave, and a pleasant smoky finish.”
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Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
Hand-crafted by individual Zapotec and Mixtec farmer-families, Del Maguey introduced artisanal mezcal to the world in 1995 and celebrates the traditions of ancestral villages that give each unique expression its own rich, sweet and smoky character. A taste of place.
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Dos Hombres Mezcal
Dos Hombres Mezcal is made with agave Espadin in San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca. The agave used in this mezcal are cooked in underground pit ovens, milled by horse-drawn tahona, fermented for 7-10 days with mountain spring water, and double distilled in copper stills. As founders, Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston (from Breaking Bad) put it “We started Dos Hombres to create a Mezcal that we thought was perfect. A unique blend of the finest Espadin agave, hand-selected from the hillsides of a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico.” According to their website, this mezcal has notes of “apples, mango, local fruits, wood, and smooth smoke.
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Casamigos Mezcal
Casamigos Mezcal Joven is made with agave Espadin in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca. According to co-founder Rande Gerber, the “mezcal was brought to [them] by a family that has made it for five generations. It’s extremely smooth, small-batch, with the perfect smokiness and easy to drink.” He later stated, “When we found our mezcal of choice, we worked closely with [the family] to perfect it.” Casamigos Mezcal launched in United States, Australia, the U.K., and Canada on April 1, 2018.
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Monte Alban Mezcal Con Gusono
Monte Alban has a long history of making Mezcal and their Reposado is the signature Mezcal made under the Monte Alban brand.Monte Alban is one of the most widespread Mezcals in the U.S. It is carried by many distributors and liquor stores, and it is what many people associate with the word “Mezcal.” Monte Alban has been making Mezcal and selling it in the U.S. for a long time. They are well established in the market, and many have had the experience of “tasting the Mezcal worm” with their signature Reposado.
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Ojo de Tigre Joven Mezcal
Ojo de Tigre Joven is produced with maguey Espadin (agave Angustifolia) from Oaxaca and maguey Tobala (agave Potatorum) from Puebla. The agaves are cooked in an underground pit over, milled with a tahona, and double distilled in a copper alembique still. This mezcal is produced by Casa Ausencio León in Tlacolula De Matamoros, Oaxaca.
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