Mezcal vs. Tequila
Mezcal and tequila are both Mexican distilled spirits and can often be confused with one another. Technically speaking, all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. “Before being introduced to distillation by the Spanish in the early 1500s, the Aztecs had perfected a beverage called ‘pulque’ made from fermented agave sap. When the fermented juice collected from the hearts of the agave plant met European distillation techniques, it transmuted into two of the world’s most expressive spirits: tequila and mezcal,” explains Jason Hedges, Beverage Director at Laurent Tourondel Hospitality and author of The Seasonal Cocktail.
However, as you will soon see, mezcal and tequila are not as similar as you might think. In fact, the spirits differ in several ways, including the ingredients used to make each of them, where they are produced, and, perhaps most importantly, how they taste. Curious to learn more about mezcal vs. tequila? Keep reading so you never mix up these two beverages again!
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What Is Mezcal?
Often found next to tequila in the liquor store, mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage with a smoky flavor made from any type of agave. “Mezcal can be produced from more than 30 different types of agave plants, including espadín, tobalá, and tobasiche, and it is made primarily in the southwestern Mexican state of Oaxaca,” says Hedges. “The heart of the agave plant, known as the ‘piña,’ is harvested, roasted in an earth and stone pit, crushed, and then fermented. This production method lends a distinctly smoky character to most mezcals, resulting in an assertive, bold spirit.”
While mezcal is mainly produced in Oaxaca, it can also be made in other areas of Mexico. “Oaxaca stands as the primary mezcal producer, but other states, such as Michoacan, San Luis, Zacatecas, Guerrero, and Chihuahua each offer distinct terroir profiles,” shares Jonathan Gonzalez, food and beverage supervisor at Drift Kitchen & Mezcal Bar in San Jose Del Cabo.
Mezcal is often known for having a smoky or earthy flavor, but tropical, citrus, and even bitter notes can also be detected in many mezcal varieties.
What Is Tequila?
Tequila, which dates back to the 1620s, is another agave-based spirit that hails from Mexico. However, unlike mezcal, tequila can’t be made with just any agave plant. “Whereas mezcal can be made from more than 30 varieties of agave, the Mexican government only allows the use of blue Weber agaves in the production of tequila,” notes Hedges. “There are two types of tequila on the shelves: 100 percent agave tequila, which is pure and potent, and mixto, which mixes in sugars from sources other than agave. The latter should be, for the most part, avoided.”
According to Jennifer Jackson, Beverage Manager at Thompson Restaurants, there are also restrictions on where in Mexico tequila can be made. “Tequila is produced in the state of Jalisco and limited municipalities in other states,” she explains. Typical flavor notes include citrus, herbs, vegetal hints, fruit, smoke, and earthiness.
Gonzalez adds: “Tequila can also be aged, resulting in variations like reposado, añejo, or extra añejo,” More on that below.
What Are the Different Types of Tequila and Mezcal?
As is the case with many spirits and other alcoholic beverages, there are plenty of types of both tequila and mezcal to choose from. According to Jackson, these are some of the most common types of tequila and mezcal you will find:
Tequila types
Generally speaking, the different types of tequila vary based on how long the spirit has been aged, if at all. The aging process (as well as what type of vessel the tequila has been aged in) yields tequilas with different flavor notes. The longer a tequila has been aged, the darker it will be.
Blanco: As its name implies, this spirit is clear. It is sometimes called silver or white tequila, and is aged less than two months (if at all) in stainless steel or oak tanks. It must be bottled within 60 days. According to Hedges, blanco tequila is known for its fresh, spicy, vegetal, and vibrant flavors.
Joven: Sometimes called gold tequila, this is a blend of white (blanco) tequila and aged tequila, or blanco tequila and additives.
Reposado: Reposado (rested) tequila is aged for a minimum of two months in oak casks. It has a “rounder and more complex flavor profile,” according to Hedges.
Añjeo: Darker in color, añejo tequilas are aged for a minimum of one year in oak barrels. Per Hedges, this creates “rich and nuanced flavors.”
Extra añjeo: This oldest type of tequila (and the darkest) is aged for at least three years in oak barrels. It offers “intensified flavors of vanilla and baking spices, which can be very good to sip but unfortunately can sometimes obscure the essence of the agave character,” explains Hedges.
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Mezcal types
The different types of mezcal are a bit trickier to master than the different types of tequila because mezcal can be classified by age and by the type of agave plant used to make the spirit, since, unlike tequila, there are no stipulations about the types of agave plants that can be utilized. There can also be an additional distinction that depends on the exact method of distillation used to make the mezcal.
Joven or blanco: Mezcal with this label is colorless and unaged.
Madurado en vidrio: Translating to “matured in glass,” this mezcal is aged in glass for at least one year, either underground or in a light-free, temperature-controlled environment.
Reposado: Reposado mezcal is aged in wood (any type) from two to 12 months.
Añejo: Añejo mezcal is aged in wood (any type) for at least one year.
While mezcal producers can focus on the age of their product, there’s often a greater emphasis placed on the type of agave plant used to produce the spirit, since that can have a bigger impact on how the mezcal ultimately tastes. Here are a few agave plant varieties to keep in mind:
Angustifolia
This agave plant is responsible for the vast majority of the mezcal on the market, and takes six to eight years to mature. It can also be called espadín, espadilla, pelón verde, or tepemete. The agave from this plant has a high concentration of sugars, and mezcal made with it boasts herbaceous notes with hints of ripe fruits, and a smoky finish.
Marmorata
This agave plant takes 35 years to mature, which means mezcal made with it is often on the pricey side. It can also be called pichumel or tepeztate, and is known for spicier, more intense flavor notes, like peppercorn and cinnamon.
Potatorum
This small agave plant can only grow from seeds, and can also be called papolome or tobalá. It’s known for its sweet taste. Mezcal made with agave from this plant often comes with a hefty price tag.
Can You Substitute Mezcal For Tequila?
If you’re fresh out of tequila but have a bottle of mezcal at the ready, you may be wondering if you can substitute one spirit for the other. The short answer is: it depends. “Mezcal and tequila can be used interchangeably in certain cocktails, thanks to their similar production processes,” shares Hedges. “Mezcal can add an outstanding twist to classic tequila cocktails, offering a smoky and robust flavor. Some popular mezcal cocktails include a mezcal margarita, Oaxacan old fashioned, smoky paloma, and mezcal Negroni.
However, just because some cocktails typically made with tequila can also work with mezcal, it doesn’t mean they all can. “I think both spirits possess such distinct qualities that they cannot be substituted,” argues Gonzalez. “Using each spirit independently allows for a more authentic representation of their individual personalities.”
Nick Turner, food and beverage manager at Maleza Restaurant in Palm Springs, California, agrees. “Mezcal has such a stark difference in flavor it's almost alien to someone without a prepared palate,” he shares.
How to Drink Tequila and Mezcal
You can drink both mezcal and tequila neat, or you can whip up cocktails and mixed drinks using either spirit. “When it comes to drinking mezcal and tequila neat, it's best to savor the flavors slowly and appreciate the intricacies of each spirit,” notes Hedges. “Mezcal is often served in traditional clay cups called copitas, allowing the aroma and flavors to be experienced fully. Tequila is commonly served in tulip-shaped glasses that capture and enhance its aromas.”
Want to pair your tequila or mezcal with certain foods for the ultimate dining experience? Hedges has some suggestions. “Mezcal pairs well with flavors like citrus, tropical fruits, chocolate, cilantro, and spices like cinnamon and chili,” he adds. “Tequila, depending on its type, pairs well with flavors such as citrus, tropical fruits, agave syrup, mint, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and dill. When it comes to cocktails, mezcal pairs well with flavors like grapefruit, smoked salt, and spicy peppers, while tequila pairs well with ingredients like lime, salt, and fruit juices.”
Mezcal Cocktails
If you’d rather not drink mezcal on its own, try it in a cocktail instead. Here are some of our favorite mezcal cocktails.
check out this article: Mezcal vs. Tequila Pairings.
