Mile High Dining attended a tequila and mezcal tasting at Total Wine. It was an education to learn that both tequila and mezcal use similar agave ingredients, but the method of production produces a slightly different blend. Tequila is clear and crisp tasting while mezcal is smoky and more flavorful. Tequila must use a specific type of blue agave and is only produced in certain geographic areas of Mexico. Mezcal uses the rest.
The production method for tequila requires that the blue agave be steamed in a clean oven above ground. The mezcal method roast the other types of agave in a stone lined pit below ground level. The roasting of the agave creates a smoky color. Therefore, they are similar products but different.
It was not only fun to taste several different types of tequila and mezcal, it was very educational!
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