What does mezcal in Spanish mean?

Mezcal (/mɛˈskæl/, American Spanish: [mesˈkal] ( listen)) is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of maguey. The word mezcal comes from Nahuatl mexcalli [meʃˈkalːi], which means “oven-cooked agave”, from metl [met͡ɬ] and ixcalli [iʃˈkalːi].

What does mezcal tequila mean?

Tequila is a type of mezcal, much like how scotch and bourbon are types of whiskey. According to spirits writer John McEvoy, mezcal is defined as any agave-based liquor. This includes tequila, which is made in specific regions of Mexico and must be made from only blue agave (agave tequilana).

What is mezcal Oaxaca?

Mezcal is a distillate made from agave, an iconic plant of Mexico. In Oaxaca, where the great majority of mezcal comes from, it’s not just a drink, but forms a part of community identity. It’s consumed in celebrations, but also used in rituals and for healing purposes.

Does mezcal get you high?

Mezcal can give you the euphoric and energized feeling the same way that stimulants do. This is likely because Mezcal is pure, 100% agave, and free of any additives or sweeteners (like the different flavors infused into other alcohols, like vodka).

Is mezcal always smoky?

When it comes to mezcal, yes, there is always some level of smoke flavor to the spirit. The smoke in mezcal comes from how the fresh agave is cooked in order to bring out the sugars that allow for fermentation to take place. This cooking happens underground in an earthen pit.

Is mezcal stronger than tequila?

Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that’s another matter. If you order a mezcal or a tequila in a bar, either neat or on the rocks, chances are you’ll get a spirit that’s about 40% ABV, which is the same strength as the vast majority of spirits sold around the world.

Does mezcal taste like tequila?

Mezcal traditionally has a very unique, smoky flavor that makes it fairly easy to distinguish from tequila. It also tends to taste sweeter, or richer, than tequila. Some mezcal producers have adopted production processes similar to tequila, and the resulting mezcal has flavor profile similar to tequila.

What does Joven mean in mezcal?

Joven: mezcal that is bottled immediately after distillation or aged for fewer than two months. Reposado: tequila or mezcal that’s been “rested” in oak for a minimum of two months but less than a year in oak barrels. Añejo: tequila or mezcal that’s been “aged” for between one and three years in oak barrels.

What is Espadin?

Maguey espadin (Agave angustifolia) is the most commonly used Maguey in mezcal. It generally takes about 8-12 years to mature, and it can be grown in a variety of farm and wild environments. Where Maguey azul (Agave tequilana) dominates tequila, Maguey espadin dominates mezcal.

Is mezcal stronger than vodka?

a– process of making vodka. 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. Vodka. To merit the name, mezcal must be at least 90 proof and is often distilled even stronger than that.

Why is there a worm in mezcal?

So, why is there a worm in mezcal? Larvae began appearing in mezcal bottles in the 1950s, when a mezcal maker discovered a moth larvae in a batch of his liquor and thought the stowaway improved its taste. He started adding “worms” to all his bottles as a marketing strategy.

Can you drink mezcal straight?

The best way to drink mezcal straight is without ice. Serving mezcal straight at room temperature is the best way to experience its colorful flavors and aromas. Take a sip and swish it around in your mouth. This will open your palate and allow your taste buds to adjust to the initial burning sensation.

Where does the word mezcal come from and what does it mean?

Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or piñas, of agave plants (2). The word mezcal is rooted in the Aztec language and loosely translates to “oven-cooked agave.” This alludes to the production process agave undergoes as it’s transformed into this flavorful spirit.

What’s the difference between mezcal and tequila in Mexico?

Describing mezcal as tequila ’s smoky cousin is a gross oversimplification of one of the world’s most diverse spirits categories. While both are distilled Mexican beverages made from agave plants, the similarities beyond this are overwhelmingly outnumbered by the factors that set them apart.

What kind of agave is used to make mezcal?

Mezcal can be made from any number of agave species, including the blue variety. When making tequila, the hearts of blue agave are typically cooked in industrial, above-ground ovens or autoclaves before being fermented and distilled ( 4 ). For mezcal, the traditional cooking process occurs in large underground pits lined with volcanic rock.

What’s the best way to eat mezcal in Mexico?

In Mexico, mezcal is traditionally consumed straight. It may be served with a pinch of chili salt and a slice of orange on the side to complement and enhance its natural flavor. Mezcal aficionados insist this is the only way to truly enjoy and savor its full flavor.