Mezcal

Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from the agave plant, primarily in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Its history can be traced back to the pre-Columbian era, when the indigenous peoples of Mexico would ferment the juice of the agave plant to produce a mildly alcoholic beverage. It was not until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century that the distillation process was introduced to the region, which allowed for the production of a more potent form of the beverage.

Over time, Mezcal became a popular drink among the working class in Mexico, and its production spread to other parts of the country. However, its popularity began to decline in the early 20th century due to the introduction of other alcoholic beverages, such as beer and tequila. In the 1950s, the Mexican government began to regulate the production of Mezcal to ensure its quality and authenticity, and it was granted a Denomination of Origin in 1994.

Today, Mezcal has experienced a resurgence in popularity both in Mexico and around the world, with a growing number of artisanal producers using traditional production methods to create unique and flavourful varieties of the beverage. With its rich history and distinctive flavour profile, Mezcal continues to be a beloved and iconic part of Mexican culture.

Mezcal is a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage that has gained popularity in recent years. To truly appreciate its unique smoky flavour, it's important to know how to drink it properly.

- Choose the right glassware: Mezcal is typically served in a small clay or ceramic cup called a "copita". If you don't have one, you can use a small wine glass or shot glass as a substitute.
- Smell the Mezcal: Before taking a sip, smell the Mezcal to get a sense of its aroma. This will enhance your overall drinking experience.
- Take a small sip: Mezcal is a strong spirit, so it's important to take a small sip to start. Let it sit in your mouth for a few seconds to really taste the smokiness of the spirit.
- Sip again: After the first sip, take another small sip and let it sit in your mouth for a few more seconds. This will allow you to fully experience the flavours of the Mezcal.
- Sip a third time: Take a third and final small sip, and let it sit in your mouth for a bit longer than the previous sips. This will allow you to fully savour the Mezcal's complex flavour profile.
- Sip with sangrita: In Mexico, it's common to drink Mezcal with a side of sangrita, a sweet and spicy tomato-based drink. Sip the Mezcal first, then follow with a sip of sangrita. This will enhance the Mezcal's flavour and make for a more enjoyable drinking experience.

By following these steps, you'll be able to properly drink Mezcal and appreciate its unique flavour profile. Cheers!

Mezcal is a distilled spirit that is made from the heart of the agave plant, primarily grown in Mexico. Unlike Tequila, which is made exclusively from blue agave, Mezcal can be made from various types of agave plants, resulting in a range of flavours and aromas.

The production process of Mezcal is unique, involving the roasting of the agave hearts in underground pits, which gives the spirit its signature smoky flavour. The roasted agave is then crushed and fermented before being distilled, creating a complex and distinctive beverage.

Mezcal is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it's also a popular ingredient in cocktails such as the Mezcal Margarita and the Oaxaca Old-Fashioned. Similar to Tequila, Mezcal is typically produced in Mexico and is subject to specific regulations to ensure its quality and authenticity.

While Mezcal is sometimes referred to as a type of Tequila, it is a distinct spirit with its own unique characteristics. Mezcal has gained popularity in recent years among bartenders and consumers alike, as people seek out new and interesting flavours and experiences in the world of spirits.

In conclusion, Mezcal is a complex and flavourful distilled spirit with a rich history and growing popularity in the world of cocktails and spirits.