Are tequila and mezcal the same product?

They're both made from agave plants, but these two spirits are distinctively different, and each has its own unique flavour profile. So, tequila and mezcal are different products.

What is the main difference between tequila and mezcal?

The main difference between them comes from how long they age; tequila must age at least two monts before it can be bottled or sold, whereas mezcal does not have such a requirement. Tequila is produced from the blue agave plant, and mezcal comes from other types of agave. The difference between them depends on how the plants are grown, harvested, and distilled.

How is the taste of tequila and mezcal?

The taste of tequila is clean and crisp, with notes of pepper and citrus. The taste of mezcal is smoky with notes of caramelized fruit, papaya and leathery earthiness that lingers on the tongue after drinking. Tequila is often described as having a "spicy" flavor, while mezcal has a smoky flavor. The taste of tequila and mezcal are very different.

What types of mezcal can we find?

Mezcal can be clear (white) or dark (amber) depending on how long it has been aged in oak barrels. Like tequila, mezcal can be either blanco or reposado; however, it's typically not aged for as long as tequila because of its stronger flavor profile and higher proof (up to 55%). The taste of mezcal is smoky with notes of caramelized fruit, papaya and leathery earthiness that lingers on the tongue after drinking.

What types of tequila can we find?

Tequila is made from blue agave, which is grown in Mexico. It's typically distilled twice in copper pots at low temperatures. Tequila can be either blanco, or silver tequila (meaning it hasn't been aged at all) or reposado or añejo, which have been aged for less than a year and year respectively. The taste of tequila is clean and crisp, with notes of pepper and citrus.

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Mezcal vs Tequila: More Similarities than Differences

Q: What is the process for making tequila and mezcal?

The process is similar: they start with a base agave plant that has been roasted and crushed into pulp. From there, they ferment and distill the pulp just as they would with any other distilled liquor.

Q: How is tequila made?

Tequila is made from the blue agave plant. To make tequila it is necessary an agave that is at least 10 years old. The agaves are harvested during their fifth year by hand when they're ready to flower. After harvesting, they're cooked with steam until their sugars convert into fermentable sugar alcohols. This process produces a distillate called must, which contains more than 60% alcohol by volume. The distillate then undergoes double distillation in copper stils before being aged in oak barrels for at least two months so that the flavour can develop fully.

June 26, 2024

It is known that tequila is a type of mezcal, but many people don’t know what the difference is between the two. There are many misconceptions about tequila and mezcal, so we want to clarify some of the confusion and make clear the differences between mezcal vs tequila:

Similarities:

Tequila is a spirit made from blue agave, while mezcal is produced from any type of agave plant.
Both tequila and mezcal must be produced in Mexico to be considered authentic; in fact, they can only be made in certain states of the country that have their denomination of origin.
Both are distilled and go through a fermentation process.
Both are considered traditional Mexican drinks and form an important part of the country’s culture.
Both tequila and mezcal can be used in cocktails as well as drunk on their own.

Differences:

Tequila must be aged in barrels for at least two months, while mezcal does not have this requirement.
Mezcal has a flavor that is less reminiscent of vanilla compared to tequila.
Some mezcals use worm larvae in their production process.
Mezcal is older than tequila. In fact, some experts consider tequila to be a type of mezcal.
In general, mezcal has a higher alcohol content.
The variety of agaves used in mezcal production is much greater than in tequila, resulting in a wider diversity of flavors.

When deciding between tequila and mezcal, it may seem like two sides of the same coin. After all, both are made from agave plants. However, the truth is that these two spirits are clearly different and each has its own flavor profile.

Tequila has a distinctive flavor profile that makes it unmistakably different from any other spirit in the world. Mezcal has a more earthy flavor (which is one of the reasons why people often mix it with other liquors).

Differences Between Mezcal and Tequila: The Denomination of Origin (DO)

Tequila and mezcal are both made from agave plants, but they’re often confused with each other. What’s the difference?

The Exclusivity of Tequila

The appellation of origin for tequila is very specific: it can only be made in specific regions of Mexico (the state of Jalisco, the state of Guanajuato, the state of Michoacán or the state of Tamaulipas). The denomination of origin for mezcal is also specific—it can only be made in certain regions of Mexico that make up Oaxaca.

Process Making of Tequila vs Mezcal

The process for making tequila and mezcal are also similar: they start with a base agave plant that has been roasted and crushed into pulp. From there, they ferment and distill the pulp just as they would with any other distilled liquor. The main difference between them comes from how long they age; tequila must age at least two months before it can be bottled or sold, whereas mezcal does not have such a requirement.

If you’re looking for an alcoholic beverage that’s going to make you feel like a real Mexican, then tequila or mezcal is probably your best bet.

The Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal is All in the Agave

Tequila and mezcal are both made from agave plants. Tequila is produced from the blue agave plant, and mezcal comes from other types of agave. The difference between them depends on how the plants are grown, harvested, and distilled. Here are some things to know about each.

Blue Agave Plant and Others Variations of Agave

Tequila is made from the blue agave plant (called Agave tequilana). It’s native to Mexico and has been cultivated there for hundreds of years. To make tequila, you need an agave that is at least 10 years old, although older plants will produce better-tasting tequila. The agaves are harvested during their fifth year by hand when they’re ready to flower.

Elaboration Process

After harvesting, they’re cooked with steam until their sugars convert into fermentable sugar alcohols. This process produces a distillate called must, which contains more than 60% alcohol by volume. Once it’s distilled, it tastes like liquid gold! The distillate then undergoes double distillation in copper stills before being aged in oak barrels for at least two months so that the flavor can develop fully.

Mezcal is made from many different varieties of agave plants including Espadin (also known as wild agave), Cupreata (or maguey), Arroqueno (also known as silver leafed), Madrecuixe de San Luis Potosi (or variegated) and Tobala (also known as wild). Mezcal is traditionally produced in clay pots over an open fire instead of being distilled over steam heat like tequila.

Flavor Differences Between Tequila and Mezcal

Tequila

Tequila is generally distilled twice in copper pots at low temperatures, which contributes to its smoother and more refined flavor profile.

Varieties:
- Blanco or Silver: Unaged, offers the purest blue agave flavor.
- Reposado: Aged from 2 months to 1 year, acquires subtle oak notes.
- Añejo: Aged from 1 to 3 years, develops more complex and smooth flavors.
- Extra Añejo: Aged more than 3 years, presents very deep and complex flavors.
Flavor profile: Generally clean and fresh, with characteristic notes of:
- Pepper
- Citrus
- Herbs
- Cooked agave
- Depending on aging, notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak may appear
Alcohol content: Typically between 35% and 55%, although most are around 40%.

Mezcal

In mezcal, the agave is traditionally cooked in underground ovens, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor.

Agave varieties: A wide range is used, including:
- Espadín (the most common)
- Arroqueño
- Tobalá
- Tepeztate
- Each variety contributes unique characteristics to the final flavor.
Types:
- Joven or Blanco: Unaged, offers the purest flavor of the agave used.
- Reposado: Aged up to 1 year, acquires light wood notes.
- Añejo: Aged more than 1 year, develops more complex flavors.
Flavor profile: Generally more complex and varied than tequila, with notes of:
- Smoke
- Earth
- Minerals
- Tropical fruits
- Spices
- The flavor can vary significantly depending on the type of agave and production method.
Alcohol content: Typically between 40% and 55%, generally higher than tequila.

Flavor Comparison

Tequila tends to be smoother and more accessible, with a more uniform flavor across brands.
Mezcal offers a wider range of flavors, from smooth and fruity to intensely smoky and earthy.
Mezcal often has a more artisanal and variable character, reflecting local production traditions.
While aging in tequila smoothens and adds complexity, in mezcal it can mask the distinctive agave flavors, which is why prolonged aging is less common.

The Famous Mezcal and Tequila Worms

If you’ve ever tried tequila or mezcal, chances are you’ve seen a worm in the bottle. While this may sound alarming, don’t worry—it’s not actually a worm but rather a type of caterpillar called Hypopta agavis that lives inside maguey plants. The larvae feed on the juices of these plants as they develop and then eventually emerge as an adult moth that lays eggs in other maguey plants, thus continuing the cycle.

While there’s no actual worm in tequila (a distilled spirit made from blue agave), some types of mezcal do include one as part of their production process. The reason behind this is simple: they help break down the sugars in plant matter used to make mezcal into an alcohol-rich liquid that can then be distilled and bottled as a spirit!

Different Tequila Cocktails

Tequila is a versatile alcoholic beverage that can be used to make all kinds of different cocktails. There are some very famous ones, like the Margarita or the Paloma, but there are also other recipes that are just as good and deserve your attention.

The Classic Margarita: The classic among classics, this cocktail is one you absolutely have to try at least once.

Paloma recipe: Another emblematic drink and, above all, another unmissable cocktail.

Tequila Sunset: The ideal combination of grapefruit and tequila. Also one of the most eye-catching cocktails along with Tequila Sunrise.

Cactus Cooler Cocktail: A different cocktail not to be missed, an absolute recommendation for tequila lovers.

Olmeca Altos Tequila vs Mezcal

Olmeca Altos Tequila is a premium, 100% blue agave tequila made from the espadin agave. It is aged for at least two years in American white oak barrels and bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV). Olmeca Altos has a smooth taste and a sweet finish, with notes of honey and vanilla.

The taste of tequila and mezcal are very different. Tequila is often described as having a “spicy” flavor, while mezcal has a smoky flavor.

Olmeca Altos Tequila is an example of a tequila that has more of an earthy, smoky finish. It is made with 100% agave and aged in oak barrels. The result is a smooth, complex taste that pairs well with fruit juices or cocktails like margaritas.

Mezcal, on the other hand, is made from different types of agave plants and can be blended with other ingredients such as pine nuts and wild herbs to create unique flavors. Mezcal has been consumed for over 400 years in Mexico and is still popular today because it has been proven to have health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels.