Mezcal and Reposado are both popular Mexican spirits made from agave. They may look similar in a glass, but mezcal and Reposado are not the same. They have different ingredients and flavors.
What is the difference between mezcal and Reposado? Mezcal is a Mexican spirit made from various types of agave, whereas Reposado is a type of tequila made from blue agave and aged in oak barrels for 2 to 11 months.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Mezcal
– Definition, Features
2. What is Reposado
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Mezcal and Reposado
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Mezcal and Reposado
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Mezcal and Reposado
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Mezcal, Reposado
What is Mezcal
Mezcal is a traditional Mexican alcohol made from the agave plant, also known as maguey. There are nearly 200 species of agave. Mezcal can be made from over 30 different types, depending on the region and local traditions. The drink is made from the heart of the agave, called the piña, which is cooked and then distilled.
Although agave-based drinks like pulque existed before the Spanish arrived, mezcal as we know it started when Filipino migrants brought stills to Mexico in the 1500s and 1600s. These stills were originally used to make coconut alcohol but were later adapted to distill agave and create mezcal.
Mezcal, in general, is known for its strong, smoky flavor. It is usually sipped straight rather than mixed. Tequila is the most famous type of mezcal. It is made only from blue agave.
Mezcal can only be legally labeled as “mezcal” if it’s produced in specific regions of Mexico. These include Oaxaca, Michoacán, Puebla, Guerrero, Zacatecas, and a few other states. It must also be certified by a mezcal regulatory organization. About 90% of all mezcal in Mexico comes from Oaxaca, and around 80% of the mezcal sold internationally is also from this region.
What is Reposado
Reposado is a type of aged tequila that is somewhere between fresh and fully matured. To be called a Reposado, the tequila must be aged in barrels or storage tanks for at least 2 months and up to 11 months.
Because of the aging process, Reposado has a smooth taste with a gentle mix of agave and wood flavors. It has a light golden color, and its flavor often includes hints of vanilla, caramel, honey, cinnamon, or even dried chocolate, depending on the barrel used. This balance makes it great for sipping or mixing.
Most distillers use American or French oak barrels. But some also age Reposado in barrels that previously held bourbon, whiskey, or even wine. This gives each Reposado its own unique taste.
Reposado tequila is made in both the highlands and lowlands of Mexico. Highland agave often grows sweeter due to the rich soil and produces tequilas with more fruity notes. Lowland agave, on the other hand, tends to give the tequila an earthier flavor, influenced by the local water and soil.
Similarities Between Mezcal and Reposado
- They are Mexican spirits made from the agave plant.
- Both are distilled alcoholic beverages traditionally enjoyed straight or in cocktails.
- They have official regulations controlling how and where they can be made.
Difference Between Mezcal and Reposado
Definition
- Mezcal is a Mexican spirit made from various types of agave, known for its smoky flavor, whereas Reposado is a type of tequila made from blue agave and aged in oak barrels for 2 to 11 months.
Source and Ingredients
- Mezcal is made from over 30 types of agave, while Reposado is a type of tequila, which must be made from blue agave only.
Production Method
- Mezcal is cooked in underground pits lined with hot stones, whereas Reposado tequila is usually steamed in ovens, which keeps the flavor cleaner and smoother.
Aging
- Mezcal can be unaged or aged, but many are sold young (joven), while Reposado is specifically aged 2 to 11 months in oak barrels.
Flavor Profile
- Mezcal has a strong, smoky flavor with earthy or roasted notes, while Reposado has a smooth, balanced flavor with hints of vanilla, caramel, honey, or spice from the barrels.
How It’s Taken
- Mezcal is usually sipped straight, often with orange slices and chili salt, whereas Reposado can be sipped or used in cocktails like the Paloma or Margarita.
FAQ: Mezcal and Reposado
1. What is the difference between mezcal and Reposado tequila?
The main difference is that mezcal can be made from many types of agave and has a smoky flavor, while Reposado tequila is made only from blue agave and is aged in oak barrels for a smoother, milder taste.
2. Why doesn’t mezcal give you a hangover?
Mezcal is less likely to give you a hangover because it usually contains low levels of methanol, a type of alcohol that can cause headaches and nausea.
3. Why is mezcal the healthiest alcohol?
Mezcal is sometimes called the healthiest alcohol because it’s made from 100% agave, often in small batches with few or no additives, and it contains low levels of methanol, which may reduce hangovers.
4. Is mezcal bad for your liver?
Like all alcohol, mezcal can be bad for your liver if you drink too much. But if you drink it in small amounts, especially high-quality mezcal made from 100% agave, it’s no worse than other types of alcohol.
Reference:
1. “Ultimate Mezcal 101 Guide: What is Mezcal?” Mezcalistas.
2. “What Is Reposado Tequila?” Taster’s Club.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Mezcal bottles” By ProtoplasmaKid – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Reposado—Bottle-Only-2” By Zmrussell – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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