In New York City, Casa Mezcal has three levels of bar space, each designed to evoke Oaxaca in the Big Apple. You may also come across mezcals with flowery, fruity, or earthy scents. Most tequila variants are bottled immediately after filtration. However, that's not necessarily correct. Mezcal can be made from over 30 different types of agave, but the vast majority is made from a variety known as Agave espadin. You can use a dash of agave syrup and Angostura bitters to cut the alcohol content. Yep, they're a bit more interesting and offer more variety than tequila! This refined aperitif is a great way to unwind after dinner. The Nahuatl term mexcalmetl (the most prominent and significant language spoken by Mexican civilizations such as Aztec), which means "oven-roasted agave plant," is the source of the name "mezcal." Those rested or aged between two to twelve months are called mezcal reposado or tequila reposado. The taste of it may be strongerit's more assertive in some ways than tequila, because it tends to be smokierbut in terms of the alcohol by volume (ABV), there's no real discrepancy between mezcal and tequila, or mezcal and most other distilled spirits. This mezcal is made from 100 percent Espadn agave and has an ABV of 43 percent. The U.S. government defines vodka as "neutral. When it comes to mezcal, the spirit always has a certain smokiness to it. Mezcal has a very strong smoky flavor, with lingering rich and sweet notes. Mezcal is not necessarily stronger than agave. If we're talking ABV content, it mostly depends on the bottle of vodka or tequila you choose. Mezcal has a wide range of health benefits, including digestive health, inflammation reduction, and blood sugar regulation. A lot of it comes down to the specific agavewhere it is, what variety it is, and when and how it was harvested. Then add your favorite ginger beer to finish it off. Then add your favorite ginger beer to finish it off. Mezcal is produced from the agave plant, which is a desert plant with over 200 species. Your email address will not be published. Put Down That Shot Glass, Here's the. Some drinkers enjoy sipping more Agave-forward unaged expressions of aejo or extra aejo, whereas others prefer to sip them. A shot of tequila contains fewer calories than a shot of mezcal. In this type of mezcal, extra tastes or ingredients are added during a second distillation. I was born and raised in Mexico, and my passion for food began at a young age. Cline Bossart has spent the past seven years writing about all things wine and spirits, and mezcal has become a personal favorite of hers along the way. Carrie has 10+ years experience as a food writer and editor. There are six varieties, and each one has flavors that showcase the differences of each village, while still adhering to the brand as a whole. For Lisa, theres nothing better than an ice-cold drink after a rough day (shes not fussy). There is no universal ABV content for all kinds of tequila and all kinds of vodka. The second thing to consider is that tequila is typically distilled longer than mezcal, which gives it a higher alcohol content and thus, more calories. #logo img{width:155px}@media only screen and (max-width:47.5em){#logo img{width:120px}}. In general, though, mezcal is likely to be slightly stronger than vodka. The group fell in love and ultimately convinced Del Maguey to bring it to the United States. This same type of plant is also used to make mezcal. Traditionally, the wood used in making mezcal is used as a firestarter, and it is served neat, with a splash of water to cleanse the palate and hydrate the drink. Mezcal is the general category for any distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, so tequila is technically a type of mezcal. is mezcal stronger than vodka. Garnish with a lime wheel. D.C.'s Espita Mezcaleria has a menu curated by one of the world's only Master Mezcaliers. The reason many people say mezcal is healthier is that it is always made from 100% Agave Nectar (by law). Distillers began inserting a worm, known as a gusano, at the bottom of the mezcal bottle in the mid-twentieth century, which became a well-known curiosity across the globe. Tequila is a type of mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequila. What if your friends want tequila shots instead of whiskey sours? By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week. In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, I opened my first restaurant/bar. Secondly, tequila must be made in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, while mezcal can be made anywhere in the country. Finally, mezcal is often smoky in flavor, while tequila is not. It is considered organic since it is from the agave plant with no additives included. Mexican mezcal (or mescal) is one of the most fascinating spirits around. Once cooked, it is shredded and fermented. Stolichnaya 100. . Tequila and mezcal are both in the range of about 38% to 55% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which is 76-110 proof.It just has a reputation as one of the stronger spirits. Everything You Need To Know About This Spirit. Low-carb diets are a popular way to lose weight and improve health, but you may wonder if alcohol fits into this way of eating. Gin is one of the best vodka substitutes and it offers lemon, juniper, and vanilla flavor. Many people assume it's the other way around, but that's not so. If youre looking for a smoke-forward mezcal with dried fruit, spice, and wild turkey qualities, look no further thanGracias a DiosPechuga. This typically leads most people to believe that mezcal is stronger than tequila. The agave plant is native to Mexico and has been used to make alcoholic beverages for centuries. So, tequila is a type of mezcal, since any spirit made from agave is classified as such. Mezcal Negroni also really easy to do, so you'll be able to relax in no time. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. Tequila is one of the most popular liquors at an affordable price. Mezcal is a Mexican distilled beverage created from the agave plant, with Oaxaca accounting for 90% of production. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the mezcal, juices, and maraschino; shake quickly and pour into a coupe glass. Mezcal El Silencios Espadn expression is an excellent introductory mezcal, offering subtle smoke and salinity surrounding notes of citrus, dried fruit, and sweet potatoes, to name a few. The two have the same strength and can get a person drunk if consumed fast. It just has a reputation as one of the stronger spirits. According to Mexican law, tequila can only be produced in these five regions of Mexico (4): Variations in climate can affect the flavor and quality of the final beverage. If youre looking for a great tequila to enjoy, any of these would be a great choice. A hangover is caused by drinking too much alcohol, which causes a headache. is mezcal stronger than vodka. This same plant can be used in making mezcal. Mezcal, however, may be manufactured from a variety of agave plants, several of which are native to Oaxaca. This allows you to enjoy the flavor and aroma of the mezcal without being overwhelmed by it. Del Maguey Vida Mezcal clocks in at 42 percent ABV and is known for its fruit-forward tropical aromas and baking spice notes, like ginger and cinnamon, on the palate. Mezcals are more concentrated than tequilas because they are distilled and bottled in their pure form. [2] Mezcal may be manufactured from 40 to 50 different species. The spirit was first made back in the 16th century by the invading conquistadors. They are made in different regions using distinct methodologies and have unique flavor profiles. Is mezcal stronger than tequila? The brand focuses on providing quality mezcal while staying as sustainable as possible. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants (2). Para todo mal mezcal y para todo bien, tambin. Mezcal is one of the most versatile types of tequila, despite the fact that there are several other types. There's ordinary mezcal, which may be crafted in any modern way. Contact at [emailprotected]or learn more about us here. Mezcal is gaining popularity, and there are many good brands at a reasonable price. No, not necessarily. Serve with or without ice in old-fashioned double glass or a bucket glass. Both drinks have a high alcohol content, with an average of 40% ABV, but mezcal has a higher alcohol concentration - 55% ABV, 15% stronger than regular tequila. The Espadin is double distilled in copper pots and made from 100% espadin agave. The brand produces three types of mezcal, reposado, anejo, and joven, each made by using 100% Espadin agave. It has a 46% ABV and finishing notes of mango and cinnamon flavor for a perfectly smooth finish. Substitutes: mezcal (similar, but stronger-tasting) OR gin OR white rum OR vodka vodka Notes: This flavorless, colorless liquor is a great mixer, since it blends unobtrusively with other ingredients. Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that's another matter. June 29, 2022 . The smoky quality is usually attributed to the underground ovens used to cook the agave. You may also come across, Toggle submenu Beer Accessories & Supplies, Standard ground shipping is free for all US orders, What Is Mezcal? The brand has a revolutionary spirit and adheres to traditional ways of making smooth mezcals. Mezcal or Tequila? It just has a reputation as one of the stronger spirits. They're called jicaras, and they're the Calabash tree's fruit. Both spirits utilize a basic method of cooking, fermenting, and distilling agave hearts, but the similarities end there. Serve in an old-fashioned glass with an orange peel garnish to keep it elegant. Clase Azul is a brand known for luxury and good taste. Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal. . A Weber Agave is available in a blue hue. What Happens When You Drink on an Empty Stomach? However, some drinkers claim mezcals are more potent and can put a person in a drunken state faster than tequilas. Agave comes from the agave plant, which is only grown in the dry regions of Mexico. 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. Tequila has a sweeter flavor than Mezcal and is often used in mixed drinks. Is mezcal stronger than vodka? The answer is Mezcal. While its often confused with tequila because theyre both from Mexico and made from agave plants, the similarities end there. is already a bittersweet cocktail. It is not a shot to be taken all at once. However, Tequila is made using only the blue agave plant and is typically produced in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Tobasiche is a type of agave that comes from the Karwinskii agave family. The word mezcal comes from Nahuatl mexcalli [mekali], which means "oven-cooked agave", from metl [met] and ixcalli [ikali]. A particular mezcal can be stronger than a particular tequila and vice versa. Since mezcal is a clear spirit, it can be paired with a variety of dishes. To merit the name, mezcal must be at least 90 proof and is often distilled even stronger than that. It is also called little water because of its appearance. The flavor differences in mezcal vs. tequila come down to the agave type and the location and climate of where it came, the cooking and distillation process used, and whether the spirit was aged. In the United States, several of these kinds are not accessible. Wild yeast is normally added to the blue agave during fermentation. In Mexico, mezcal is traditionally consumed straight.