Mezcal gets its smoky flavor during the production process. The hearts of the agave plants, piñas, are cooked in pits in the ground in a style that's similar to that for making barbacoa. ... The cooked agave is then crushed, combined with water, and allowed to ferment.

Is mezcal supposed to be smoky?

When it comes to mezcal, yes, there is always some level of smoke flavor to the spirit. ... The smoke in mezcal comes from how the fresh agave is cooked in order to bring out the sugars that allow for fermentation to take place. This cooking happens underground in an earthen pit.

What do they smoke mezcal with?

In general, though, the hearts of the agave, known as the piñas, are chopped into small pieces. They are then cooked inside earthen pits that are lined with lava rocks and filled with wood and charcoal — which will later give mezcal its signature smoky taste.

What kind of mezcal is smoky?

Montelobos Mezcal Joven

This smoky, peppery mezcal sure packs a punch! While remaining entirely organic in its fermentation, espadín agaves are crushed and naturally fermented within the spirit. The nose provides a spicy, roasted jalapeno scent which provides a smoky flavor balance throughout the palette.

Is tequila or mezcal stronger?

So, is mezcal stronger than tequila? No, not necessarily. ... 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.

Smoke. It’s not just for mezcal anymore.

23 related questions found

What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?

Tequila is a type of mezcal, much like how scotch and bourbon are types of whiskey. According to spirits writer John McEvoy, mezcal is defined as any agave-based liquor. This includes tequila, which is made in specific regions of Mexico and must be made from only blue agave (agave tequilana).

Is anejo tequila smoky?

Meet añejo tequilas—the name roughly translates to aged or mature tequila. To be considered "añejo," the tequila must be aged one-to-three years, giving the drink a smokey, flavorful taste comparable to sipping Cognac or bourbon.

What is highest rated mezcal?

What Are the Best Mezcal Brands?

• Bozal Mezcal Ensamble. ...
• Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal. ...
• Ilegal Mezcal Anejo. Courtesy Ilegal Mezcal. ...
• Montelobos Tobalá Courtesy ReserveBar. ...
• Mezcal Rey Campero Tepextate. Courtesy Drizly. ...
• Casamigos Joven. Courtesy Casamigos. ...
• The Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadin. Reserve Bar. ...
• Santo Mezquila. Courtesy Drizly.

Whats better Reposado or Anejo?

Reposado adds great flavor notes to a highball drink like Tequila and Ginger Ale. Tequila anejo has a dark, rich flavor and is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Don't waste it in cocktails!

Is mezcal a hallucinogen?

Because mezcal sounds like mescaline, the psychedelic drug, it's surely hallucinogenic. Furthermore, it comes from the Mexican state of Oaxaca, where counterculture folk go to munch on magic mushrooms. ... Like tequila, mezcal is a liquor distilled from the heart of the agave plant.

Does mezcal taste like cigarettes?

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 find some with floral, fruity, or earthy notes.

Why does my tequila taste smoky?

According to The New York Times, the heart of an agave, or piña, is harvested from the plant and roasted in underground ovens over hot rocks. Roasting the heart in this manner gives the liquor that deep, smoky flavor that makes mezcal so distinctive (and delicious).

Does mezcal taste like tequila?

Mezcal traditionally has a very unique, smoky flavor that makes it fairly easy to distinguish from tequila. It also tends to taste sweeter, or richer, than tequila. Some mezcal producers have adopted production processes similar to tequila, and the resulting mezcal has flavor profile similar to tequila.

Does mezcal make you crazy?

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. A more likely reason for this is that mezcal is pure.

Can mezcal be aged?

Unaged mezcal is referred to as joven, or young. Some of the distilled product is left to age in barrels between one month and four years, but some can be aged for as long as 12 years. Mezcal can reach an alcohol content of 55%. Like tequila, mezcal is distilled twice.

Who makes Trader Joe's mezcal?

Espada Pequeña Mezcal Artesanal is a private label product for the Trader Joe's grocery store chain. It is produced by Benevá Mezcal, an industrial brand based in Oaxaca, Mexico. This mezcal is produced using Maguey Espadin.

Can you drink mezcal straight?

The best way to drink mezcal straight is without ice. Serving mezcal straight at room temperature is the best way to experience its colorful flavors and aromas. Take a sip and swish it around in your mouth. This will open your palate and allow your taste buds to adjust to the initial burning sensation.

What is a mezcalero?

A mezcalero is a person who distills mezcal. As with the title of distiller, there is a hierarchy to mezcaleros, with maestro mezcalero being the highest level.

Does tequila have a smoky flavor?

Mescal is actually a type of tequila, but the liquors have distinct flavor profiles even though both are made from agave, a Mexican succulent. Mescal has a smoky flavor and tequila does not. That's because when making mescal, the agave core is cooked in a big wood-fired pit prior to crushing and distillation.

Is Anejo Gold tequila?

Gold Tequila

Sometimes 100% agave gold tequila is made by combining silver tequila and an aged tequila, such as reposado or añejo. Since quality aged tequila has a gold hue, the addition of the coloring was a marketing tactic to improve one's perspective of cheaper brands.

Is Corralejo a tequila?

Tequila Corralejo | El Tequila grande de México. 100% agave tequila, obtained from the double distillation of fermented musts from weber's blue agave. Corralejo Tequila has a mild flavour with a strong character. It has a wide range of tones derived from the American oak wood in which it is rested.

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. ... Extra Añejo: "extra aged" tequila or mezcal that's been aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels.

Is mezcal legal in the US?

By way of quick background, the three-tier system is the legal system governing the distribution and sales of not just mezcal, but all alcoholic beverages, in the United States. It has been in place for close to a hundred years, ever since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.