How is mezcal different from tequila?
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distilled spirit
The fermentation and distillation process for producing whiskey. The production of whiskey begins with grinding grain into a meal, which is cooked. Malt is introduced to the meal, which results in mash that is cooled and pumped into a fermenter, where yeast is added. The fermented mixture is heated in a still, where the heat vaporizes the alcohol. The alcohol vapours are caught, cooled, condensed, and drawn off as clean, new whiskey. This liquid is stored in a cistern room, and water is added to lower the proof (absolute alcohol content) before the whiskey is placed in new charred oak barrels for aging and later bottling.
Tequila is a specific type of mezcal, meaning all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. While both are distilled spirits derived from the agave plant, they differ in several key ways:1
- Ingredients: Tequila must be made specifically from the blue agave plant (Agave tequilana Weber). Mezcal can be produced from many different species of agave.21
- Production Process: Mezcal production traditionally involves roasting the agave hearts (piñas) in earthen pits over hot rocks, which imparts a characteristic smoky flavor. Tequila production typically involves steaming the agave bases to extract the sap.12
- Geography and Regulation: Both spirits have Protected Designations of Origin (PDO). Tequila production is centered in the state of Jalisco. Mezcal production is restricted to specific Mexican states, including Oaxaca, Durango, and others.21
- Flavor Profile: Mezcal is often noted for being stronger in flavor and having a distinct smokiness compared to tequila.12