Mexican alcoholic beverages and cocktails are known in the world for their authenticity and amazing flavors. Many cocktails include tequila and mezcal, which come from this country. They have a few similarities, and not just because they are from the same country. This article explores the similarities and differences, how to drink both beverages, and so on.
Tequila vs Mezcal – What's the Difference?
Tequila and mezcal are two iconic Mexican spirits that use one unique component called agave. It's the foundational ingredient, but everything else is different, including the flavor, production, and origin.
The first has to be from specific regions of Mexico and relies on blue agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, has a broader geographical base and uses many agave types. Both are considered strong alcohol, and these differences provide unique aromas and tastes for each drink.
Here's a mezcal vs tequila table that compares the “profiles” of both beverages:
|
Aspect
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Tequila
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Mezcal
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|
Main agave
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Blue Weber agave
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Over 30 agave species (Espadín, Tobalá, etc.)
|
|
Region
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Jalisco and select Mexican states
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Oaxaca and several other states
|
|
Production process
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Steam-cooked agave in ovens
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Roasted agave in underground pits
|
|
Taste
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Light, slightly sweet flavor
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Smoky, earthy, and complex taste
|
|
Alcohol content
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35-55% ABV
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40-55% ABV
|
|
Aging categories
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Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo
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Joven, Reposado, Añejo
|
|
Traditional serving
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Straight or in cocktails
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Sipped neat from a copita
|
|
Aroma
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Citrus, pepper, and floral notes
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Smoke, spice, and herbal tones
|
Tequila and mezcal are from the same culture, but as you can tell from the table, they have completely different tastes. Some liquors may taste differently, depending on the type, for example, tequila chocolate doesn't taste like the original.
Types of Tequila
It comes in several styles that differ by aging time and flavor. These categories define how the spirit develops its color, aroma, and smoothness.
- Blanco Tequila. Distillers bottle it right after distillation or after a short rest under two months. It has a clear color and some pepper notes. Plus, you can clearly taste the agave flavor.
- Gold Tequila. It's also often called joven, and it gets its color from being aged for a short period in barrels. Some producers may also add caramel coloring to make the drink more bright.
- Reposado. Producers age it for two to twelve months in oak barrels. It tastes somewhere in between sweetness and spice.
- Añejo. Distillers age it between one and three years in small barrels. The process deepens its golden color and adds caramel and vanilla flavors.
- Extra Añejo. Producers mature it for over three years. It has a rich, dark hue with complex notes of chocolate, oak, and dried fruit.
Each drink type offers a different taste because of distillation mechanisms and maturing processes. Thus, drinkers can taste different options to find the best drink to their tastes.
How to Drink Tequila and Mezcal
Traditional Mexican culture has proper ways to drink tequila and mezcal. The goal is to highlight the flavor:
- Serve it neat. Mexicans often drink both spirits neat in small glasses. This approach allows full appreciation of aroma and taste without dilution.
- Use salt and citrus with agave spirit. It's the traditional way that won't distract you from the taste of the drink.
- Sip mezcal with orange and worm salt. Locals serve mezcal with orange slices sprinkled with sal de gusano.
Drinking tequila and mezcal correctly reveals their full complexity. True appreciation comes through slow sips and mindful tasting rather than quick shots.
How to Choose Tequila
You can browse the best tequila brands to find popular choices. Or you can use these tips to definitely find the top option:
- Choose 100% agave. Only tequilas labeled “100% de agave” contain pure agave spirit. Mixto drinks have added sugars that are lower quality.
- Observe color and clarity. Blanco should be crystal clear, like vodka. Aged tequilas should have a golden tone. Any cloudiness means it was stored poorly and probably doesn't taste as good.
- Consider the region. Real agave spirit has to come only from designated areas in Mexico, mainly Jalisco. Spirits made elsewhere aren't authentic, even if they taste good.
Good tequila selection depends on origin, purity, and taste preference. The right choice guarantees a balanced spirit with authentic Mexican character.
Why Buy Tequila and Mezcal at Punin Wine
There are several reasons why you should consider Punin Wine, one of which is tequila price. However, there are other reasons to choose Punin Wine:
- Best manufacturers of tequila and mezcal.
- Many other types of liquor of premium brands.
- Simple navigation, ordering and payment processes.
- Fast delivery.
- Mobile app to track orders.
You get access to top alcoholic beverages in the shop, including the described above premium tequila and mescal. Punin Wine sells only authentic products from top brands.
