Mezcal regions in Mexico

Currently mezcal is an alcoholic beverage with worldwide recognition thanks to its unique flavor and its procedure that has been maintained over the centuries. Originally its fame was local, spreading only in the towns where its production was made, it wouldn’t be until the end of the 20th century when the boom for this distillate would begin, becoming the success it’s today throughout the world. This is a  brief history of the origin of mezcal.

Although its legacy has expanded to different parts,  it’s in Mexico where the only places that are officially recognized as producers of this drink internationally are located. These producing sites are known as mezcal regions, let’s see what they’re and why they fall into that single list.

Mezcal-producing states or the mezcal regions of the country

The mezcal regions of Mexico are very few, mainly due to the attribution of their origin and production for a long time, in addition not all states have the necessary characteristics for its elaboration, although there are exceptions such as Jalisco, Puebla and Sinaloa that produce it with excellent quality without belonging to the region.

Some of the mezcal states are Michoacán, Guerrero, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Oaxaca, and Tamaulipas. Next, we’re going to know a little more about them to know why they’re considered to be part of the mezcal regions.

Mezcal from Michoacán

We start with the state of Michoacán, recognized for being one of the states with the most diversity in its production, making not only mezcal, but also Cotija Cheese, avocado, tequila, to mention a few of them. In this region there’re five different species of agaves with which mezcal is made: maguey cenizo, maguey espadilla, maguey papalote, maguey bravo and agave azul; this makes it one of the mezcal regions with the most variety to produce such a drink.

Guerrero

It ranks as the second mezcal region that makes this drink, producing around 1.5 millones a year that translate into millions of pesos in income for the country. The state of Guerrero works with the agave Cupreata (maguey papalote) obtaining its flavor that characterizes it and being prepared with exceptional quality, which allows it to export its product to different countries and stand out as one of the best producers.

San Luis Potosí

Recognized for its mezcal route which has become a popular stop among tourists, it’s a tour that allows visitors to learn more about the process and its history, as well as being able to try a little of product made in Potosí lands. It also stands out for its altiplano in which there’s a variety of agave species used to create different types of mezcal in its municipalities.

Zacatecas

This region makes its mezcal based on mezcal azul, widely used to produce another very famous distillate: tequila. Just because they share the type of agave, the particularity of mezcal produced in Zacatecas is that it carries out production processes very similar to those of tequila, making it obtain a flavor that distinguishes it from those made in the other mezcal states. It also has tours and tourist places where you can enjoy unique drink.

Oaxaca

The mezcal state par excellence, because it’s activities for the elaboration of this drink make it participate in 65% of the production nationwide, meaning more than half of the mezcal sold worldwide. It’s recognized as the region that makes the highest quality distillate due to its artisanal process and bottling of origin, positioning it even above tequila and allowing it to cover the demand that has generated its upward international success.

Tamaulipas

One of the states in the north of the country that are considered as mezcal regions, they elaborate their drink with copper distillates, a way of producing them that was inherited from the Spaniards on their arrival in our country, which differentiates it from the others in the market. With maguey lechuguilla, cenizo, jarcia, among many others, they can make various types of mezcal for a greater variety in the market. Despite not making it completely handmade, Tamaulipas enjoys an incredible reputation as a producer and is positioned among the best.

Why can these states produce mezcal?

Although mezcal is produced in Mexico, not all states of the country can be considered mezcal regions, since to be considered they require the Denomination of Origin (DO). That name refers to a geographical region from which a product originates and whose characteristics and qualities are due to it.

The states in addition to some others incorporated over time have this denomination and are recognized for the elaboration of mezcal to be part of, as its name implies, the mezcal regions.

Michoacán, a mezcal region par excellence

The case of Michoacán is, since it was recognized by the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) only in 2012 and in some of its municipalities they make both tequila and mezcal with the same species despite not being allowed by the regulatory bodies of the DO, making it an exception in that case.

Due to its enormous variety in agaves and its excellent quality when it comes to making mezcal, it’s among the best mezcal regions on the list; in this region is La Luna Mezcal, the best artisanal mezcal in Mexico.

La Luna Mezcal

Having its origins in this abundant region of Mexico, La Luna Mezcal is responsible for maintaining the traditions that surround this distillate to continue providing the experience that has captivated generations through its drink. Get to know our different presentations and flavors of mezcal that we have for you and discover why Michoacán mezcal is recognized in Mexico and the world. Discover Mezcal cocktail recipes people created and shared with us that you will love!