The difference between tequila and mezcal

The most important facts in a nutshell:

• Tequila is a type of mezcal, so every tequila is a mezcal
• Tequila must be made from 100% Blue Weber agave
• Tequila and mezcal must come from specific regions

Tequila and mezcal have quite a lot of flavor. Unfortunately, many of us are somewhat damaged by the ominous Sierra Tequila (of course, there are also many who love and honor it and that's totally okay). Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to hear that someone has had one tequila with lemon too many and can no longer smell the stuff. As there wasn't that much choice in our country, the Sierra with the sombrero lid had to make do.

Fortunately, we now have the choice for you! You can buy mezcal and tequila from regional producers in Mexico online. Treat yourself to a sip and enjoy the passion and craftsmanship that goes into these spirits.

For better enjoyment, here are the most important facts about tequila and mezcal.

Tequila vs. mezcal: the differences

All tequilas are mezcals. Mezcal, on the other hand, is a spirit made from agave. So tequila is also made from agave. Tequila is just a special type of mezcal that is made exclusively from 100% Blue Weber agave. Fittingly, this plant species is also called Agave tequilana.

How nice when something that seems complicated is actually so uncomplicated.

Incidentally, there are over 30 varieties of agave from which mezcal is made. The law stipulates which ones can be used to call the result mezcal. There are over 200 types of agave in total. However, most of them are not very suitable for the production of mezcal or even tequila for various reasons.

This is what the cut agaves look like, which are cooked in the next step

The type of agave is an important characteristic for mezcal lovers, as the variety used has a significant influence on the taste - just like the grape variety for wine, the bean for coffee or the type of grain for whisky.

Some agaves grow for up to 50 years. The care and cultivation of these agaves is a job in itself. Accordingly, there are farmers who deal exclusively with this. Incidentally, the two most commonly used types of agave are Agave angustifolia and Espadin.

Other differences between mezcal and tequila

Growing regions:

In addition to the agave variety, tequila must come from certain regions in Mexico: from the state of Jalisco or from isolated areas of the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit or Tamaulipas.

Mezcal, on the other hand, must be produced in or around the city of Oaxaca or in isolated areas of Guerrero, Guanajuato, Durango, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Michoacan or Zacatecas. However, Oaxaca is by far the most important region. Around 80% of all mezcal comes from here.

Production:

Mezcal and tequila are made from agaves, which must first be cooked. For tequila, normal above-ground ovens are used for this. For mezcal, traditional underground fire pits (palenque) made of volcanic rock are used. The stones are heated with fire while the agaves lie in the pit for a few days to cook.

In the case of Mezcal, the agaves are heated in a pit in the ground on stone

Maturation:

There is no difference in the maturing time and the corresponding designation of the distillates. Tequila and mezcal are divided into the following categories, depending on how long they have been stored in wooden barrels:

• Blanco: not matured in barrels or, in exceptional cases, less than 2 months
• Reposado: aged between 2 months and 1 year
• Anejo: aged between 12 and 36 months in wooden barrels
• Extra Anejo: matured for longer than 36 months in the barrel

Got a taste for discovering the differences with your own taste buds? The Huizache Tequila Reposado is great for beginners as well as more experienced tequila drinkers. It has been aged for 3 months in a Californian whisky barrel and has therefore developed very fruity notes and aromas of vanilla and cherry, among other things. The awards it has received speak for themselves.

Price: €36.80 for 0.7 liters | 40% vol. - Order here!

The recommendation for mezcal is even easier than for tequila: Mezcal Local Destilado con Pechuga has long been a hit in the USA and is slowly conquering the hearts of connoisseurs in Germany. Mezcal Local is made from the well-known agave variety Espadin, but distilled with apples, peaches, bananas and oranges - what a stroke of genius. At 42% vol. Alcohol very mild and full of fruit flavors.

Buy tequila online

Buy mezcal online