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While all tequila is mezcal, not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila is a specific type of mezcal made exclusively from Blue Weber agave.
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Unlike tequila, which is often mass-produced, mezcal is typically handcrafted using ancestral techniques.
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Although mezcal can be made in nine states of Mexico, Oaxaca produces nearly 90% of the world’s mezcal.
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Mezcal’s flavour can range from earthy and smoky to fruity and floral, depending on the agave variety, terroir, and production process.
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Unlike tequila, which is restricted to one agave species, mezcal can be crafted from a variety of wild and cultivated agaves, such as Espadín, Tobalá, and Madrecuishe.
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In Mexico, mezcal is savoured slowly, much like fine whisky or cognac. To enhance its flavours, it’s often served with orange slices and sal de guano.
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Mezcal typically contains 40-50% alcohol by volume (ABV), similar to tequila, but some artisanal batches can be stronger.
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The characteristic smokiness of mezcal comes from the agave being roasted in traditional stone pits over wood and charcoal.
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Mezcal is a must-try for any spirits enthusiast!