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Mezcal: The Soul of Oaxaca
Mezcal vs Tequila: What’s the Difference?
Tequila and mezcal are both agave spirits born in Mexico, but they are distinctly different in origin, production, and flavour. Understanding the distinction helps you make a more informed choice at the bottle shop or bar.
The simplest way to think about it: all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila is a specific, regulated subcategory of mezcal.
| Category | Tequila | Mezcal |
|---|---|---|
| Agave Used | Blue Weber agave only | Over 30 agave varieties (Espadín, Tobaízin, Tobá, Madre Cuishe, and more) |
| Production Region | Jalisco + 4 other designated states | 9 designated states, primarily Oaxaca |
| Cooking Method | Steam ovens or autoclaves, clean, neutral | Underground pit ovens, impart signature smokiness |
| Flavour Profile |
Bright, citrus-forward, herbal, peppery, clean agave expression |
Smoky, earthy, complex, varies dramatically by agave variety and producer |
| Regulatory Body | CRT (Consejo Regulador del Tequila) | COMERCAM (Consejo Mexicano Regulador de la Calidad del Mezcal) |
| Production Scale | Large commercial scale common | Often small-batch and artisanal |
| Best For | Cocktails, neat sipping, approachable agave entry point | Adventurous sipping, smoky cocktails, exploring agave diversity |
What Is Mezcal?
Mezcal is one of the world's most complex and storied spirits, a distillate born from the heart of the agave plant, rooted in centuries of Mexican tradition. While often compared to tequila, mezcal is its own category entirely: broader in scope, deeper in character, and infinitely more diverse in expression.
At its core, mezcal can be made from over 30 varieties of agave, each imparting its own distinct flavour profile. Tequila, by contrast, is restricted to a single variety, blue agave. This diversity is what makes mezcal so compelling for the serious spirits enthusiast.
The Art of Production
What truly sets mezcal apart is its production method. The piñas, the harvested hearts of the agave plant, are slow-roasted in earthen pit ovens lined with volcanic rock and wood. This ancient technique, unchanged for generations, is what gives mezcal its signature smoky character. The roasted piñas are then crushed, fermented naturally, and double-distilled, typically in clay or copper pot stills.
The result is a spirit of extraordinary depth: smoky, earthy, and complex, with layers of fruit, florals, and mineral notes that shift with every sip.
How to Drink Mezcal
Mezcal demands respect and rewards patience. The traditional approach is to sip it neat, at room temperature, from a clay copita or a wide-mouthed vessel that allows the aromas to open. No ice, no mixers. Just the spirit and your attention.
That said, mezcal has also found a natural home behind the bar. Its smoky complexity elevates cocktails like the Mezcal Negroni, the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, and the Tommy's Margarita with a mezcal twist. A small measure blended with tequila adds depth without overwhelming.
Agave Varieties Worth Knowing
For those looking to explore beyond the entry-level, understanding agave varieties is the key to unlocking mezcal's full range:
- Espadín: The workhorse of mezcal, widely grown, approachable, and versatile. A great starting point.
- Tobalá: A wild agave that produces mezcal of extraordinary elegance, floral, fruity, and refined.
- Tepeztate: Takes up to 25 years to mature. The resulting spirit is herbaceous, wild, and unlike anything else in the category.
- Arroquéño: Rich, full-bodied, and deeply complex, a favourite among collectors and connoisseurs.
Why Mezcal Matters
Beyond the liquid, mezcal carries cultural weight. Each bottle represents the work of a maestro mezcalero, a master distiller whose knowledge has been passed down through generations. Many mezcal producers are small, family-run operations in remote villages, where the spirit is as much a part of community identity as it is a commercial product.
Choosing mezcal thoughtfully, seeking out certified, small-batch, and sustainably produced expressions, is a way of supporting these communities and preserving a genuinely irreplaceable tradition.