The main difference between Mezcal and tequila is Mezcal is produced using varieties of the agave plant, whereas tequila is produced by Blue Weber Agave.
Both Mezcal and tequila are alcoholic spirits of Mexican origins. The production of both beverages involves agave plants. However, there are distinctions between them.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Mezcal
– Definition, Features
2. What is Tequila
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Mezcal and Tequila
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Mezcal, Tequila
What is Mezcal
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made using the agave plant. Mezcal has a sweet flavor. It originated in Mexico and is a major spirit in Mexican bar culture. Although agave plants grow in most areas in Mexico, only nine states can legally produce Mezcal. There are around 30 different varieties of agave plants, and any variety can produce Mezcal. Therefore, each agave plant brings its own flavor based on the species.
Furthermore, Mezcal consists of flavoring ingredients like grains and herbs. Manufacturers add these flavoring ingredients before distillation. Generally, Mezcal contains 38 to 55 alcohol percent by volume. We don’t usually mix Mezcal into cocktails. Mexicans use special little bowl-shaped cups to serve Mezcal. These cups are made using dried gourds from the fruit of a Calabash tree. We call these traditional containers jicaras. There are different types of mezcal varieties in the market today. Nevertheless, there are three basic categories of Mezcal: Mezcal Ancestral, Mezcal Artesanal, and Mezcal with no other labels.
What is Tequila
Tequila is a distilled beverage made from one type of agave plant called Blue Weber Agave. It is most popular in the surrounding city of Tequila in Mexico. Blue agave plants grow well in the red volcanic soil in this region. Agave plants grow differently in different regions. Furthermore, blue agave plants growing in this region are larger and sweeter in scent and taste. There are different styles of tequila, and consumers all around the world use tequila, especially in the USA and Mexico.
Furthermore, there are several types of tequila. They are Blanco Tequila, Joven Tequila, Reposado Tequila, Añejo Tequila, and Extra-Añejo Tequila. Moreover, consumers can drink tequila in different ways. We often sip aged tequila directly. We generally consume other types of tequila directly or by mixing it with lemon and salt or mixtures. Margaritas are the most famous tequila cocktails. Tequila also tastes good with fruit, especially citrus. Tequila and Mexican food are a great combination. Further, tequila adds more flavors to barbecues at summer parties. Some people use tequila for cooking food.
Similarities Between Mezcal and Tequila
- Mezcal and tequila have Mexican origins.
- Moreover, Mezcal and tequila are two alcoholic beverages.
- In addition, the production of both beverages involves agave plants.
Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila
Definition
Mezcal is a distilled alcohol made using any agave plant, while tequila is a distilled alcohol made from one type of agave plant called Blue Weber Agave.
Ingredient
Although Mezcal is made from any type of agave plant, tequila is made from only Blue Weber Agave.
Alcohol Percentage
The alcohol percentage of Mezcal varies from 38-50, whereas the alcohol percentage of tequila is 40 percent.
Flavoring Ingredients
Although Mezcal contains flavoring ingredients like grains and herbs, tequila does not contain flavoring ingredients.
Serving
There are traditional bowl-like cups to serve Mezcal, while tequila does not use a special cup for serving.
Consumption
Tequila is drunk with lemon and salt or mixtures, while Mezcal is consumed without adding to cocktails.
Conclusion
The main difference between Mezcal and tequila is Mezcal is produced using varieties of agave plants, while tequila is produced by Blue Weber Agave. Moreover, the alcohol percentage of Mezcal can vary from 38-50, whereas the alcohol percentage of tequila is 40 percent.
Reference:
1. “Mezcal.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Santera Tequila” By Santera Tequila – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Mezcal Reserva Especial de Don “Mauro López”” By Mike Rowe (CC BY-NC 2.0) via Flickr
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