First is the Joven or Gold Tequila, a mix of, Reposado or rested is aged between two months to a year, aejo aged between one to two years, and the. This is likely because Mezcal is pure, 100% agave, and free of any additives or sweeteners (like the different flavors infused into other alcohols, like vodka). Mezcal is pure 100% maguey, which explains the concentrated liquid. Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that's another matter. Tequilas go through second or third filtration to increase the alcohol contents before getting bottled. So, which is stronger? Mezcal and tequila are not the same Mezcal and tequila are often confused for one another, as they're both Mexican. (For everything bad, mezcal, and for everything good, mezcal.) It is a popular spirit for cocktails such as the Negroni, as well as the Margarita and the Martinez. If you're looking to try something new, mezcal might be just the thing! is mezcal stronger than vodka. Instagram. That is why tequilas are considered mezcal [. ] Is Mezcal Stronger Than Vodka There is no simple answer to this question as the strength of mezcal can vary greatly depending on the producer and the specific batch. However, in other countries, especially in the United States, mezcal is taking center stage as a craft cocktail ingredient. Learn more about the. Vodka, is a type of alcohol, tend to be higher in calories. So, what is mezcal exactly? Tequila and mezcal are both between 38% and 55% alcohol by volume , which is around 76 to 110 proof. Del Maguey Espadin Especial Mezcal at Drizly, Sombra Ensamble Mezcal at Minibar Delivery, Cinco Sentidos Papalometl Mezcal at Astorwines.com, Doa Vega Mezcal Espadin at Bottlerocket.com, The Best Tequilas to Drink for Cocktails, Sipping, and More, The Best Cocktail Shakers for Whatever Your Bartending Style, The 12 Best Aperitifs for Pre-Dinner Drinks, We Found the Best Tequilas for Margaritas and Shots. Lisa is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in nightlife, leisure, and celebration. Again, Gaston's mission with IZO was to stray from the gimmicky mezcals and bring something sophisticated to the U.S. You can find a list of stores (include Costco!) is mezcal stronger than vodka. They're called jicaras, and they're the Calabash tree's fruit. The quality of the Agave is usually attributed to the smoky odor created by the underground ovens used to cook it. Save higher end mezcal for sipping, and use the lower priced bottles for cocktails. Strain into two 6-ounce martini glasses after shaking. Tequila, which is a type of mezcal, contains additives. Agave is removed from the ground by hand using traditional tools (think machete and manpower). In a. filled with ice, add the mezcal, juices, and maraschino; shake quickly and pour into a coupe glass. Then, the Blanco or the unaged, bottled after filtration. The ABV of these spirits ranges between 35-55%. But can you be allergic to tequila? Mezcal gets its smokiness from the extensive roasting process. It is a darker mezcal that's been matured in wood for at least two months but less than a year. There are different varieties of each plant, but they all share the same root system. Similar to vodka, gin is clear, colorless, and has minimal difference in the flavor profile. If youre looking for a smoke-forward mezcal with dried fruit, spice, and wild turkey qualities, look no further thanGracias a DiosPechuga. Kunkel highly recommends either trying Ensemble in cocktails or sipping it on its own. This is due to the fact that mezcal is made with a higher percentage of agave, which is a natural sweetener. and restaurants and bars where IZO is sold on the brand's site here, and every bottle comes with a unique one-of-a-kind stopper. Mezcal, on the other hand, has an earthy and smokey flavor because of the roasted agave ingredient. While this isn't the typical old-fashioned, the components create a timeless classic. Is Tequila The Same As Rum? There are more than 200 types of agave plants, 45 to 50 of which are used to make mezcal, Gaston says. Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that's another matter. As a representation of its region (Ejutla, Oaxaca), it is a light-bodied and highly-nuanced mezcal offering tropical notes such as banana and pineapple alongside sultry smoke. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. That's m-e-s-c-a-l. (In Spanish, z's sound like s's. Agave plants can only be grown in one species, making tequila from only that type of plant. If you're not sure where to start exploring this fantastic drink, don't worry, we have you covered. However, since mezcal is more concentrated, many people perceive this as a stronger spirit. Can You Eat the Tequila Worm? Forgot your password? By clicking on Accept you are agreeing to our terms of service and privacy policy. Espadin is the most common among these plants, which is also a common mezcal variant. The answer is Mezcal. 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." The first release of Ensamble is just 2,000 bottles, and, with an ABV of 51 percent, Delanoy notes that the higher proof helps carry the spirits strong finish, lingering on the palate following light smoke and leading vegetal notes with layers of citrus. There's ordinary mezcal, which may be crafted in any modern way. Agaves are roasted in the roasting process, distilled liquor is then aged in oak barrels, and the final step is aging. There are premium tequila bottles that are sold for top dollars. You may also come across mezcals with flowery, fruity, or earthy scents. (Think of it like the farmers market version of produce, versus what you get at the grocery store.). Contact at [emailprotected]or learn more about us here. In Mexico, mezcal is traditionally consumed straight. There are many great tequilas on the market and it can be hard to choose just one. Whats unique about this mezcal, she says, is that the producer ferments the agave juice in the skin of a cow, giving the spirit an interesting lactic, floral flavor. As a result, tequila typically has a ABV of 38 to 55%. Gin is most suitable to make a great vodka cocktail but you can also substitute gin to add its bold taste to your recipes. Taste: Mezcal has a warm smokiness and the flavor will depend on the type of agave used to produce it. Both mezcal and tequila are agave-based spirits that contain high alcohol. Both mezcal and tequila fall in the range of 38 to 55 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Mezcal, on the other hand, has a different price range. When we caught up on the phone, he debunked more myths and shared more intel. The genius behind the bottle says it's a riff on old-school tequila production, when they used to cook agave with mesquite wood. Third, it is important to take a small sip of mezcal, let it sit in your mouth for a moment, and then exhale through your nose. It could be in relation to the alcohol content, which will make you drunk faster, or which tastes the strongest. Mezcal can be made from over 30 different types of agave, but the vast majority is made from a variety known as Agave espadin. Some tequilas are so silky and delicate that they can stand in for vodka in any drink. Mezcal is mostly produced in Oaxaca, Mexico. Is Jack Daniels stronger than tequila? Of course, there's a lot more to the spirit than just thatand we caught up with Gaston Martinez, founder of IZO Mezcal, to learn more. You may also come across, Toggle submenu Beer Accessories & Supplies, Standard ground shipping is free for all US orders, What Is Mezcal? In the 1950s, a mezcal manufacturer discovered larvae in a batch of his alcohol and felt the insect enhanced the flavor. Does mezcal get you drunker than tequila? These weber blue agave plants can be used with mezcal. It may be served with a pinch of chili salt and a slice of orange on the side to complement and enhance its natural flavor. There are a few things to keep in mind when drinking mezcal. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Networks Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It also substitutes tequila without making it unrecognizable as a, Fill the shaker about three-quarters full of. In a tequila-based drink, you can substitute vodka. Youll find it featured in trendy, innovative recipes, as well as in remixed versions of classics like old fashioned, margaritas, negronis, and palomas. An excellent mezcal isn't meant to be consumed in a single sip. Espadin agave is one of the most prevalent species of the plant, making it the most popular source of mezcal. That smoke can be mild at times and strong at other times. Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. Oaxaca makes more than 90 percent of the world's mezcal supply; Durango is also famous for its mezcal production. In fact, there is a particular tequila brand with 75% ABV, stronger than a regular mezcal. On the other hand, Mezcal is distilled in clay pots after being heated in earthen pits lined with lava rocks and loaded with charcoal and wood. Can modern paleo practitioners drink alcohol. A Weber Agave is available in a blue hue. Is mezcal stronger than tequila? In the United States, several of these kinds are not accessible. Ultimately, the higher alcohol content is what makes gin stronger than vodka . In short: You can blame agave for endless fun nights, and all the drunken texts you never meant to. 1.9k Views. . Her preferred agave spirit cocktail is a Tommys Margarita made with a Joven Mezcal. I also wanted to educate and inspire others to cook Mexican food at home. Mezcal is a distilled spirit made from any type of agave plant. However, there are a few that stand out above the rest. This will help you appreciate the complex flavor of the mezcal. Mezcal can be made from any type of agave plant, although the large majority of mezcal 80 to 90% is made from the Espadin . Between the first two is mezcal artisanal, which follows traditional procedures but is more lenient when it comes to the time-consuming process of grinding the agave. We tell you more about this below, so keep reading! Serve with or without ice in old-fashioned double glass or a bucket glass. The result is an award winning vodka with a rich and smooth mouth feel. This is not your typical mixed drink. There is no universal ABV content for all kinds of tequila and all kinds of vodka. Tequila can only come from blue agave, or agave tequilana. Mezcal can taste stronger than tequila because it has a more savory and richer flavor. Tequila has a sweeter taste because of the sugar and honey added to enhance the taste. You don't have to choose between Mezcal and tequila with this contemporary old-fashioned because it has both. . But mezcal is more distinct and is used in, or as a substitute for a powerful spirit like, The pias are allowed to rest for a month while the juice ferments within the pia husk. A shot of tequila contains fewer calories than a shot of mezcal. Mezcal Negroni also really easy to do, so you'll be able to relax in no time. A particular mezcal can be stronger than a particular tequila and vice versa. El Silencio is a strong advocate for fair wages and labor practicesfor example, the brand works directly with local farmers to support their businesses and distillery. But mezcal is more distinct and is used in cocktails or as a substitute for a powerful spirit like whiskey. A lot of it comes down to the specific agavewhere it is, what variety it is, and when and how it was harvested. 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. Many people believe that mezcal has a more robust flavor than tequila. The taste of tequila will vary according to where it was grown as well as the age at which it was distilled. mezcal has a stronger taste than tequila, but it's up to you to decide. Creating this distilled spirit is similar to how wine grapes are made. This refined aperitif is a great way to unwind after dinner. Internationally, mezcal has been recognized as an Appellation of Origin since 1994. My mezcal hack would be to . There is typically a stronger flavor to tequila than mezcal. A certain mezcal can be stronger than a specific tequila, but the opposite can also be true. Where does agave come from? - a Spanish word that means "young" and also means "bright" or "clear. The word mezcal comes from Nahuatl mexcalli [mekali], which means "oven-cooked agave", from metl [met] and ixcalli [ikali]. The mule is a cocktail made with ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. While the regular mule is delicious, this variation is much better since the mezcal adds a degree of depth that the ordinary vodka base lacks. Mezcal has been around for more than 400 years, and is the first known distilled spirit in Latin America and on the Americas Continent. It is an unaged mezcal. Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that's another matter. Belvedere Intense 100 Proof. 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. Pechuga is often used for special occasions, such as an offering for Dia de los Muertos altars. No, not necessarily. . Del Maguey is a widespread favorite among bartenders everywhere, and its Vida expressionan organic, double-distilled mezcal made from the Espadn maguey (agave plant) out of the San Luis del Rio villageis an all-around excellent spirit for sipping or mixing in cocktails. Mezcal is not necessarily stronger than agave. Pour over ice, give it a good shake, yes, throw in that lime wheel, and enjoy. Just like different types of alcohol have different percentages of alcohol by volume (ABV) or alcohol content, so can different brands. Mezcal and, No additives are added, not even sugar. There are over 200 species of agave, but not all of them contain enough fermentable sugar to be made into mezcal (3). Yes, vodka is naturally gluten-free even though it's commonly made from wheat and other gluten-containing grains. Mix the mezcal, lemon juice, and 34 ounces of honey syrup together in a cocktail shaker. For starters, it's not even a worm, it's a larvaand it's a giant gimmick. The Liquor Laboratory is intended for adults over the age of 21 and the legal drinking age. But, Slow and whiskey-like burn with a vegetal undertone, Reposado warm, medium-bodied with vanilla /, Aejo tequila is layered, smooth, long, and rich, Tequila, on the other hand, has four types. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. It brings a new, exciting flavor profile to the well-established selection of spirits that have graced cocktail menus for generations. For Lisa, theres nothing better than an ice-cold drink after a rough day (shes not fussy). 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. . Tequila is one of the most popular liquors at an affordable price. Mezcal is commonly referred to as tequila's smoky cousin. Generally speaking, the darker the shade of the mezcal, the smoother it is. The Naked and Famous cocktail combines mezcal, Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice in equal amounts. The reason many people say mezcal is healthier is that it is always made from 100% Agave Nectar (by law). Toro Bravo in Portland, Oregon, serves a mezcal-based cocktail that hits all the right notes: spicy, sour, and sweet, with just a trace of salt. Second, vodka is typically filtered more than Everclear, so it may not be quite as strong.