La Luna Mezcal
La Luna Mezcal

Understanding the difference between mezcal and tequila

If we served you two separate shots of mezcal and tequila, would you be able to tell the difference? At first glance, likely not.

While similar in looks, ingredients and rich history, each one has its characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at the mezcal vs tequila difference.

Mezcal and tequila difference:

The main differences between mezcal and tequila taste is the way the agave is extracted and distilled for each spirit.

Extraction

As we mentioned, mezcal and tequila are obtained from the fermentation and distillation of agave. However, its main difference is the type of maguey used to make each drink.

For the elaboration of tequila, the agave tequilana weber is used. This is better known as blue agave. While for mezcal they can use more than 10 types of magueys, being the sprat agave the most common; and its even possible to create combinations between agaves.

Agave tequilana plant

The mezcal-making process consists of:The process to make mezcal consists of:

  • Agave cutting
  • Cooking pineapples in a conical oven
  • Grinding of cooked agaves pineapples
  • Fermentation of the fibers of cooked and ground agaves<

Distillation

On the other hand, the elaboration of tequila is divided into the following steps:

  • Agave cutting
  • Torn from the agave
  • Sugars and bagasse extraction
  • Cooking
  • Fermentation
  • Distillation
  • Filtration
  • Aging
  • Assembly

Mezcal distillery

Designation of origin

In the imaginary collective, tequila reminds us of Jalisco, since within that state there is a city that bears the same name of the typical drink and when we talk about mezcal we move directly to Oaxaca, but are they the only states where it’s do you produce these distillates?

It’s known as Denomination of Origin (DO) to the distinctive seal that recognizes a product characteristic of a certain country or region of the world and its quality. In the case of both drinks, the DO is also a difference between them.

The Denomination of Origin of Tequila (DOT) establishes that it can only be produced within some municipalities in the state of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Michoacán. As for the Denomination of Origin of Mezcal (DOM) this is more extensive, covering municipalities of Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoac¡n, San Luis PotosÃ, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas, Durango, and Puebla.

Man stepping on Agave tequilana plant

How to drink these mezcal and tequila

As for the flavor, it’s also another distinction of these products, since the tequila is sweeter and with floral tones that reduced the savor of the agave and usually the taste of mezcal has an intense smokey and the flavor of the agave is more present and in some, there is a slight woody flavor.

According to the rules governing these drinks, the ethyl percentage for both is 35 to 55 degrees, but typically tequila is usually 40 degrees, while traditional mezcal has 45 degrees. Therefore, we are not talking about drinks that can be taken as colloquially it says “to the thread”; on the contrary, they should be enjoyed.

To taste tequila, it’s better to take it alone and sip slowly. Usually, many people accompany it with lemon and salt, which serve to relax the palate and minimize alcoholic shock. Also, it can be combined with other ingredients that allow it to vary its flavor.

Moreover, mezcal is very rare to find ” lowered ” with other ingredients, although it’s already part of the cocktail bar, but to enjoy its natural flavor is nothing better than taking it alone and as some call it “a besitos”, that means, short sips. It can be accompanied by worm salt, the insect that lives in the maguey, chapulín salt or a few slices of orange.

A shot of tequila and mezcal

Is mezcal better than tequila?

We’ll let you be the judge on that one. At La Luna Mezcal, our agave based spirits have a variety of expressions that produce a unique, robust taste.
Our brand is synonymous with quality and exquisite flavor. Enter our online store and buy one of our mezcals and discover the expression that better suits you and your palate.

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