History and origin of mezcal

Did you already know that mezcal has become one of the most representative products of Mexico internationally? This is due to its artisanal character and its variety of presentations; however, few know where it came from, that’s why today we tell you a little about the origin of mezcal.

Where did mezcal originate?

In excavations begun 1994 by anthropologists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)  in the town of Oaxaca, evidence was obtained to determine that mezcal was formerly obtained from maguey. In their investigation they realized that the origin of mezcal dates back to 400 BC.C, where it was distilled in clay pots.

Currently, mezcal has a designation of origin, which protects the production of this drink in the states of Oaxaca, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, San Luis Potosí, Puebla, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Morelos and the Estado de México.

Mezcal theory

There are several theories that seek to explain how this drink was developed, one of them argues that with the arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico, the first distillation was carried out. On the other hand, others argue that some Mesoamerican peoples already knew and worked on this process.

Another theory indicates that the possible first distillation of mezcal was by the hand of the first Filipino sailors, who arrived in the country with the galleon Manila in 1570 and that they brought with them techniques and stills from their native country.

The Filipinos with their arrival in Mexico established coconut plantations on the west coast of the country; with these they made a coconut nectar called lambanog that was obtained from the fermentation of the coconut mixture. The theory points out that the first distillations of mezcal took place in the Colima area and it was on these coasts where the Plantations of Filipino coconuts were grown. However, these are just theories.

Why is it called Mezcal?

Within the origin of mezcal, it’s interesting to know why it’s named like that. The word mezcal comes from the Nahuatl mexcalli, composed of metl (maguey) and ixcalli (cooked). For this reason, it’s called mezcal, since it’s made from the distillation of the heart of the maguey.

Uses and customs of mezcal

In Oaxaca it’s believed that mezcal cures scares and not only by drinking it, but  it’s used to make a ritual that lasts three days, in which the person is “bathed” in a temazcal or ancestral sauna made of stone, where mezcal is combined with 16 herbs to detoxify the body and recover “the loss of the soul”.

However, over time, people have been adopting different medicinal uses for mezcal. It’s used to promote digestion, as its ethanol content promotes the relaxation of blood vessels, which produces an increase in digestive and pancreatic enzymes, which are responsible for digesting fats, proteins and carbohydrates, Therefore, when taking a glass of mezcal, this drink will help you to reduce inflammation.

According to a study from the University of Florida, taking a daily shot of mezcal helps reduce the levels of triglycerides, glucose, and cholesterol in the blood. Likewise, it has benefits for the heart, because according to this same study, it serves to eradicate coronary artery disease, helping to prevent heart attacks.

90% of the mezcal produced in Mexico is handmade by mezcal families, who often use their own homes and haciendas for the production of this distillate.

In addition, the harvest of agave is a tradition rooted in many states, such as Oaxaca, Michoacán, Puebla and Guanajuato and its cultivation is a solemn act, of unity, and of communion with the land, as well as a sign of festivity of the original cultures of these territories.

The consumption of mezcal encourages the generation of new jobs and is a stimulus to the economy of thousands of Mexican families; as well as the preservation of the life traditions of the communities that produce this drink that they even consider sacred.

Types of mezcal

Since the origin of mezcal, several types of this drink have emerged such as the following:

• Young or white mezcal. It’s the one that is bottled after distillation and that is not subject to any type of rest, maturation, and aging.
• Mezcal rested. It’s the one that is contained between 2 and 12 months in wooden containers, in a space with stable conditions of temperature and humidity.
• Aged mezcal. It’s contained for more than 12 months in wooden containers, in a space with stable conditions of temperature and humidity.
• Mezcal matured in glass. It’s contained in glass containers for more than 12 months, underground or in a space in stable conditions of darkness, temperature and humidity. It’s stored in glass containers larger than 5 liters and less than 20 liters, for certification.

La Luna Mezcal, a high quality Brand

In La Luna Mezcal, since our beginnings we have produced artisanal and ancestral mezcal together with the labor and dedication that are maintained in the generations of families. The green and mountainous regions of Michoacán have been our starting point to boost our brand.

It should be noted that one of our differentiators is that we take care of producing our own entry-level offer with agave cupreata, not sprat. Now that you know a little about the origin of mezcal, are you ready to try ours? You won’t regret it, we have mezcals of flavors and expressions ideal for you! Discover Mezcal cocktail recipes people created and shared with us that you will love!

Enter our online store to be able to buy our mezcal at incredible prices, we ship all over the country and the United States!