Mezcal

Mezcal

• Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented heart, or piña, of various species of agave plants native to Mexico. While often confused with tequila, mezcal is a separate spirit with its own distinct production process and flavor profile. Mezcal is typically produced in small batches and has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with artisanal mezcals gaining recognition for their unique flavors and traditional production methods.

A variety of mezcal bottles

History

• The production of mezcal dates back to the arrival of the Spanish in Mexico in the 16th century, when they introduced the process of distillation to the indigenous people. However, the use of agave plants for food, drink, and other purposes has a much longer history in the region, dating back thousands of years to various Mesoamerican civilizations. Over time, mezcal production became centered in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, which is still considered the heart of mezcal production today.

Production Process

• The production of mezcal involves several key steps, including:
• Harvesting: The agave plants are harvested by hand, typically after 7 to 30 years of growth, depending on the species. The leaves are removed, leaving only the heart, or piña.
• Cooking: The piñas are cooked in underground, wood-fired ovens lined with volcanic rocks for several days, which imparts a smoky flavor to the mezcal.
• Crushing: After cooking, the piñas are crushed, traditionally using a stone wheel pulled by a horse or mule, to extract the agave juice, or aguamiel.
• Fermentation: The aguamiel is placed in wooden or stone vats and combined with water to initiate fermentation, which can take from several days to a few weeks. Some producers also add wild yeast or other natural fermenting agents.
• Distillation: The fermented aguamiel is distilled, typically in copper or clay pot stills, to create a high-proof spirit. Most mezcals are double distilled, although some may be distilled a third time for a smoother flavor profile.

Types of Mezcal

• Mezcal can be classified based on the type of agave used, the production method, and the aging process. Some common types of mezcal include:
• Espadín: The most common type of mezcal, made from the Agave angustifolia species, also known as espadín.
• Tobalá: A rare and highly prized mezcal made from the wild Agave potatorum, or tobalá, which grows at high altitudes and has a distinctive flavor profile.
• Pechuga: A unique type of mezcal that is redistilled with fruits, nuts, and spices, as well as a raw chicken or turkey breast suspended in the still, which imparts a subtle savory flavor.
• Añejo: A mezcal that has been aged for at least one year, but less than three years, in wooden barrels.
• Extra Añejo: A mezcal that has been aged for at least three years in wooden barrels, resulting in a smoother and more complex flavor profile.

Tasting and Drinking Mezcal

• Mezcal is traditionally s
• erved neat, without ice or mixers, in small clay or glass vessels called "copitas." When tasting mezcal, it is important to take small sips and allow the spirit to coat the tongue and palate to fully appreciate its complex flavors and aromas. Mezcal is often accompanied by orange slices and sal de gusano, a salt made from ground dried worms, chilies, and salt, which can be sprinkled on the orange slices or the rim of the copita.
• In addition to being enjoyed neat, mezcal has gained popularity as a versatile cocktail ingredient, often used in place of tequila or other spirits in classic cocktails, such as the Margarita, Old Fashioned, or Negroni.

See also

• Tequila
• Cocktails
• Distilled beverages
• Mexican cuisine

References

• Zraly, K. (2017). The Ultimate Book of Mezcal: The History, Art, and Craft of the World's Most Unique Spirit. Skyhorse Publishing.
• Greene, C. (2014). The Mezcal Experience: A Field Guide to the World's Best Mezcals and Agave Spirits. Mitchell Beazley.
• Clay, C., & Perkins, S. (2018). Mezcal: Mexico in a Bottle. Prestel Publishing.

External Links

• Mezcal Reviews - A database of mezcal reviews and ratings
• Difford's Guide - An overview of mezcal production
• Liquor.com - Mezcal 101: A Beginner's Guide to the Mexican Spirit

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