Mexico is a major producer of tequila and mezcal, Oaxaca, located in the south is the most important supplier of mezcal. Although it is already known in Mexico, agave spirits are booming in the United States.
Increase in consumption
Mezcal shipments to the United States are estimated to have quadrupled in the last five years and the tequila category has increased by 121% since 2012. A real benefit for their neighbouring country, Mexico.
Production of tequila and mezcal
The treatment of agave is totally different between tequila production and mezcal: the distillation process and the region of origin are very important. While Tequila is made from one variety of agave, mezcal, more diversified, can be made from up to eleven varieties. The latter is more pronounced in taste. Very smoky and vegetal for the taste buds, while tequila is smooth, herbaceous and fresh.
In tequila, the agave piñas are roasted slowly for two or three days. For the mezcal, the pines are cooked in pits dug in the ground, like a kind of barbecue !
Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.