Mezcal is an amazing drink that is often described as a smoky version of tequila. Both drinks are made from the agave plant, but mezcal is fire-cooked in small batches, which results in a caramelized, smoky note.
So, why would you choose mezcal over traditional tequila? Mezcal vs tequila, which drink tastes better and why? Let’s take a look at the two drinks and see how they compare.
Mezcal vs Tequila
Both drinks are spirits made from the agave plant and come from Mexico, but they are prepared in different ways. Mezcal must contain 100% agave, which essentially makes it higher quality than tequila, which only has to be 51% blue agave. The other sugars can come from less-tasty plant sugars like corn.
Also, mezcal can be made from any type of agave, but tequila has to be made from blue agave. Mezcals are usually made from one agave variety, but you can also find blends that range from buttery and nutty to spicy and piquant.
For tequila, the hearts of the agave plant are baked in ovens. Mezcal comes from piñas that have been baked in underground pits in smaller batches. That’s why mezcal has a smokier and stronger flavor as well as some additional notes.
Flavor
The most obvious reason why you would pick mezcal over tequila is the flavor. Mezcal has a significantly more intense flavor and it is pretty much always smoky and even savory. But since there are different blends available and the drink can be made from any agave plant, the more subtle flavors and notes vary wildly.
Tequila, on the other hand, usually has a smooth and sweet flavor. While there are high-quality tequilas out there, the fact that they only have to be 51% blue agave makes them taste less good. For the same reason, purists prefer mezcal because it’s cleaner and you know what you are drinking.
Mezcal Is Healthier
Mezcal is typically a bit healthier than tequila because of its 100% agave content. There are no added carbs or sugars like those that come from corn syrup, molasses, and other types of sugars that are often found in tequila. There are some 100% blue agave tequilas out there that are comparable to mezcal, but the price is similar as well.
Support Small Distilleries
Tequila is a well-known drink that is typically made by large companies in certain regions of Mexico. Mezcal, on the other hand, is made in small batches by small distilleries. A lot of care and love and care goes into producing mezcal and you can support those family businesses by drinking mezcal.
Conclusion
Both mezcal and tequila are made from agave, but there are significant differences in flavor between the two. For starters, the agave for mezcal is baked in underground pits, which results in a savory, smoky flavor. Also, mezcal must be 100% agave whereas tequilas only have to be 51% blue agave, making mezcal cleaner. Last but not least, mezcal is made by small distilleries with a lot of love.