Mezcal – All You Need to Know on How It’s Made, Stored, and Bought

What is mezcal?

Mezcal is a Mexican distilled alcohol made from the agave plant. Pronounced “messcal,” its name means “roasted agave” in Nahuatl, an Indigenous language spoken in Central Mexico, and is a nod to how the drink is made.

Although mezcal and tequila are sometimes confused for one another, they’re very different drinks. Both are made from agave, however, tequila is always made using blue agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from up to 50 different varieties of agave. Remember it this way: all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila.

Known for its distinctive smokey flavor, mezcal is best enjoyed neat. Sipping on it little by little allows the subtly sweet, fruity, and earthy notes can shine through.

This spirit has an alcohol content of between 40-55%, similar to whiskey. Mezcal also packs a powerful punch when mixed with other boozy beverages in cocktails.

Where did mezcal originate from?

Mezcal originated in Mexico and has a complex history.

The Indigenous peoples of Central Mexico—Oaxaca in particular—have been brewing fermented alcoholic drinks from agave since 200 BCE. They call this milk-colored drink pulque, and you can still find it today.

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, pulque inspired them to create a new drink. Using their knowledge of distillation techniques, they made the first bottles of mezcal.

The spirit was a hit from the beginning and has maintained its popularity despite fierce competition from other spirits. There is an old saying in Oaxaca, “Para todo mal, mezcal; y para todo bien, también.” Which translates to, “For everything bad, mezcal; and for everything good, as well.”

What is the nutritional value of mezcal?

A 1.5 fl oz serving of mezcal has approximately 100 calories and there are no added sugars.

How is mezcal made?

With so many mezcal makers, there are a few different distillation processes for this spirit, but these are the basic steps:

• First, a hole is dug in the ground to create an earthen pit oven. Piping hot rocks are laid at the bottom and covered with burning wood.
• Next, the heart of the agave plant (also known as the piña) is cut up and put inside a pot, placed inside the oven, and covered with dirt. The piña is cooked and smoked for 3 days.
• The roasted agave is then mashed into a pulp using a stone wheel and mixed with water. The mixture is left to ferment for a few days.
• Finally, the liquid is distilled twice until the mezcal has the right amount of alcohol by volume. From here, it can either be bottled or aged inside barrels for up to 4 years.

What should I look for when buying mezcal?

With so many different types of mezcal, knowing what you’re looking for keeps you from getting overwhelmed.

You’ll notice that bottles of mezcal always say Mezcal, Mezcal Ancestral, or Mezcal Artesanal. The first label means the spirit was made industrially, following a modernized process. The second means it was made as traditionally as possible (in an earthen oven, and so on). And the third is a balance of the two.

On top of that, you should also decide what type of aging you want for your mezcal. Joven, or young, mezcal has not been aged. Reposado, or rested, mezcal has been aged for 2-12 months. Añejo, or old, mezcal has been aged for over 12 months. Each has a unique flavor, with young mezcal being the most popular and easiest to find.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Dos Tiranos Tequila, with Two Worms (750 ml)

Casamigos Mezcal Joven 80 (750 ml)

La Penca Local Artesanal Espadin (750 ml)

Montelobos Ensamble Mezcal (750 ml)

Cazadores Blanco Tequila (750 ml)

Monte Albán Mezcal, 100% Agave, Avocado with Agave Worm (750 ml)

How to store mezcal

Mezcal should be stored upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A liquor cabinet is a great place to keep the hard liquor. As long as you leave the bottle closed, the mezcal will last decades as it ages slowly.

An open bottle of mezcal should also be kept in a cool, dry, dark place. Make sure the lid is on tightly, and you should be able to drink the mezcal for years to come. Of course, as time goes on, the spirit will lose some of its intense flavors.

How to tell if your beverage has gone bad

Mezcal doesn’t spoil because it has such a high alcohol content. So, if you have a bottle that has been open for several years, it is still likely good to drink. Though it may have dulled in flavor and aroma, it won’t make you sick.

Be on the lookout for mezcal that has a funky smell, bad taste, or off-putting color. If your mezcal fits that description, it’s best to pour it down the drain and get yourself a new bottle.

What can I substitute for mezcal?

Mezcal is a unique, smokey drink that is difficult to substitute, but there are some beverages you can use in a pinch.

Tequila is the first spirit that comes to mind. Because it’s also made from agave, it has those sweet and fruity hints. However, it’s usually saltier and less earthy. Cocuy, a Venezuelan distilled spirit made from green agave, is also a good swap.

If you can’t find any of those options, try another agave liquor from South or Central America.

Where to buy mezcal near me

It can be a hassle visiting several liquor stores to find a bottle of mezcal. Let Instacart do the heavy lifting and order your most highly anticipated mezcal flavors online to have them delivered right to your home, hotel, Airbnb, or vacation rental. Just fill your cart and choose same-day pick up or delivery at check out.

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