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.

1. Is mezcal stronger than tequila?
2. What does mezcal taste like?
3. Why is mezcal smokier than tequila?
4. Can I substitute mezcal for tequila?
5. Why is mezcal so expensive?
6. Does mezcal make you hallucinate?
7. Can you drink mezcal straight?
8. Does mezcal give you a hangover?
9. Why do they put a worm in mezcal?
10. Is mezcal good for margaritas?
11. Do all mezcal have worms?
12. Is mezcal a stimulant?

Is mezcal stronger than tequila?

No, not necessarily. It just has a reputation as one of the stronger spirits. Many people find that the taste of mezcal is usually stronger than that of tequila, but that's another matter. Tequila and mezcal are both in the range of about 38% to 55% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which is 76-110 proof.

What does mezcal taste like?

Mezcal doesn't have to taste like smoke.

Some bartenders feel the descriptor undercuts the spirit: Mezcal can taste a little charred because of the way it's produced, but you might also try some with floral, fruity, or earthy notes.

Why is mezcal smokier than tequila?

Joven is the same as tequila's blanco (up to two months of age), reposado is the same, and anejo (for mezcal) requires minimum one year of age. Flavor Profile: Because of mezcal's underground, firepit process, the spirit tends to have a more savory, smokier profile than that of tequila.

Can I substitute mezcal for tequila?

For most drinking purposes, you can easily substitute a mezcal for a tequila without really changing the taste of a cocktail. ... But if you feel like splurging, a pricier tequila or mezcal will generally outperform and provide a better tasting experience, especially if you want to drink it neat.

Why is mezcal so expensive?

Compared to tequila, mezcal can be significantly more expensive, and without much background on the process, it can be hard to understand why. ... First, mezcal production is the most labor intensive spirits process you will ever encounter; from start to finish, this is about as “farm to bottle” as you get.

Does mezcal make you hallucinate?

Does Mezcal make you hallucinate? No, never. You're thinking of Mescaline, an hallucinogenic found in the buttons from the peyote cactus. Agaves are not cacti.

Can you drink mezcal straight?

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.”

Does mezcal give you a hangover?

No one wants to wake up feeling awful after a fun night out, and mezcal may be less likely than other spirits to produce a hangover. In an interview with Bon Appetit, mezcal distiller Yola Jimenez pointed to mezcal's purity as the reason it causes fewer hangovers. "Many alcohols have a ton of sugar and other chemicals.

Why do they put a worm in mezcal?

So, why is there a worm in mezcal? Larvae began appearing in mezcal bottles in the 1950s, when a mezcal maker discovered a moth larvae in a batch of his liquor and thought the stowaway improved its taste. He started adding “worms” to all his bottles as a marketing strategy.

Is mezcal good for margaritas?

It's like a scotch-y margarita! The tart lime juice and sweet agave pair absolutely perfectly with the smoky, rich mezcal. ... And probably a good place to start either way if you're new to mezcal. But bottom line — if you love smoky drinks, it's absolutely worth the try.

Do all mezcal have worms?

But in none of these mezcals are you likely to find worms. ... The worms themselves are actually caterpillars — specifically, the larva of a moth called the gusano de maguey.

Is mezcal a stimulant?

Is Mezcal a Stimulant? Technically, all alcohol is a depressant, but calling mezcal a stimulant is not completely off-base. Mezcal can give you a euphoric and energized feeling. Some sources point to its mild hallucinogenic properties as a primary cause for this elation.