What are other types of mezcal?

In this article, we’ve listed the most commonly produced species and included the main varieties within that species.

Table of Contents

Species: Agave Angustifolia. Varieties: Espadín.
Species: Agave Potatorum. Varieties: Tobalá
Species: Agave Karwinskii.
Species: Agave Americana.
Species: Agave Marmorata.
Species: Agave Durangensis.

How many mezcal brands are there?

When I last took a hard look, there were about 70 mezcal brands to be found in the U.S. Now I count 120+! Wow. Further, a few years ago there were around 50 brands that were traveling in the upper end of the market, and that has now risen to almost 90 brands in what I consider to be in the premium sector.

How do I choose a mezcal?

Seek out higher proof. What “cask strength” means varies by producer. For some, it actually is 80-proof mezcal, but for most the number is usually higher, 84 to 100. All else being equal, Heugel suggests going for the latter. Not because it’ll get you drunk faster, but because it’s less likely to be adulterated.

Is there a difference between tequila and mezcal?

Tequila is typically produced by steaming the agave inside industrial ovens before being distilled two or three times in copper pots. Mezcal, on the other hand, is cooked inside earthen pits that are lined with lava rocks and filled with wood and charcoal before being distilled in clay pots.

What is more expensive mezcal or tequila?

Mezcal does tend to be more expensive than tequila because of the way it’s made, mostly in small batches by small distilleries. It not only makes it more expensive to produce, it’s also more expensive to export in relatively small quantities compared to tequila.

How do you drink mezcal?

Sip it neat “The best way to drink mezcal will always be clean, in small sips similar to small kisses, always accompanied by a little water to cleanse the palate and hydrate,” Medina says. “In this way you can appreciate the different flavors and aromas of mezcal.”

Is mezcal stronger than tequila?

Mezcal is stronger than tequila. Both of these drinks are pretty strong, with at least 40% ABV, but mezcal has a stronger concentration of alcohol. It measures at 55% ABV, 15% stronger than regular tequila. There are different strengths of tequila and mezcal, but the standards for each drink are 40% and 55% ABV.

Do you drink mezcal straight?

You can drink mezcal straight, but garnish it with an orange wheel sprinkled with sal de gusano to enhance the texture, flavor, and aroma of the spirit. Replace the tequila in a margarita with mezcal for a smokier, fuller-bodied version of the drink.

What is a good brand of mezcal?

What Are the Best Mezcal Brands?

Ilegal Mezcal Anejo. Courtesy Ilegal Mezcal.
Mezcal El Silencio – Espadin. Mezcal El Silencio.
Bozal Mezcal Ensamble. Courtesy Bozal.
Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal. Courtesy Drizly.
Montelobos Tobalá Courtesy ReserveBar.
Mezcal Rey Campero Tepextate.
Casamigos Joven.
The Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadin.

Do you sip or shot mezcal?

So neat it is. But whatever you do, “don’t shoot it,” says Marco Ochoa, the owner of Mezcaloteca, one of Oaxaca City’s most revered mezcal bars. Instead, he recommends breathing in the aroma, just as you would with a glass of wine, before taking a small sip and swishing the liquid around in your mouth.

Is Reposado a mezcal?

Reposado: tequila or mezcal that’s been “rested” in oak for a minimum of two months but less than a year in oak barrels. Añejo: tequila or mezcal that’s been “aged” for between one and three years in oak barrels. Extra Añejo: “extra aged” tequila or mezcal that’s been aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels.

Is mezcal healthier than tequila?

Mezcal can be considered cleaner and more pure than tequila, especially if the later is mixed with artificial sugar and way to many margarita mixers. When it comes to health, wellness, and alcohol, consider balance and sip in moderation – mezcal included.