5 Things To Know About Mezcal
Do you enjoy the taste of Mezcal? Is it something that you have wanted to explore further? Well, you are in luck! In this article, we are going to dive into the unique world of Mezcal and discuss why you should give it a try.
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. It is most commonly produced in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico and has been part of Mexican culture for centuries. It is one of the most enjoyed cocktail drinks in Mexico and has been spotted to be gaining more recognition in other countries.
The name comes from the Nahuatl language and means “oven-cooked agave”. Unlike Tequila, which can only be made from the Blue Agave plant, Mezcal can be made from a variety of these plants. This gives it an interesting flavor profile that differs depending on which type of agave is used.
Here, we will talk about the five things that you need to know about this beverage. Continue reading to learn more about what makes Mezcal so special and why people love it.
Mezcal Can Be Aged
Unlike some other liquors, Mezcal can be aged and this adds a complex flavor profile to the drink. The aging process typically takes place in wooden barrels, which lends a unique aroma and taste to the beverage. Aged Mezcal tends to have a smoky, earthy flavor and is usually preferred by connoisseurs over unaged varieties.
Most of the bottles of it will have a ‘joven’ (young) or ‘añejo’ (aged) label, so you can easily tell which is which. The longest aged Mezcal can be aged for up to ten years and has a more intense flavor than the unaged versions.
It Comes in Different Varieties
Mezcal is available in many different varieties, all of which have their own unique characteristics. The most common types are:
Espadin
This type is made from the Espadin plant and is the most widely produced. It has a sweet, smoky taste with notes of earth, smoke and pepper.
Tobala
This comes from wild agave plants that grow in high elevations in Oaxaca. It has a more herbal flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Tobaziche
This is from the wild Tobaziche plant. It has an intense hazy flavor and can be quite strong.
Barracho
Made from charred agave plants that give it a unique, smoky flavor. It also has notes of spice and smoke which makes it popular among experienced drinkers.
Mezcal is Low in Sugar
One of the best things about Mezcal is that it has very low sugar content. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to cut back on their sugar intake. While many other liquors can be sweetened with syrups and other additives, this does not require any of these.
This makes it a great option for people who are trying to watch their sugar intake and still enjoy the taste of an alcoholic beverage.
It Is Handcrafted
Different from other liquors, Mezcal is usually made in small batches by hand. This means that each bottle of it has its own unique character and flavor profile which can vary from batch to batch.
This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for something different than mass-produced tequila. Additionally, it can also be a great way to support local producers and help them continue their craft.
Mezcal Has Health Benefits
While its primary purpose is for consumption, Mezcal has some surprising health benefits that you may not know about. For instance, it contains antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation and fight off free radicals. It also contains vitamins and minerals that can help with digestion and improve cardiovascular health.
In addition, it has been said to help fight insomnia due to its sedative effects. While this is not backed up by scientific evidence, some people have reported feeling more relaxed after drinking it.
There are many ways to enjoy this drink, such as in a traditional cocktail or on its own. Mezcal margarita is a popular cocktail made from Mezcal and is often enjoyed as a starter drink. The flavors of the agave and lime juice combine to create an interesting taste profile that is sure to please any palate.
A variety of pre-made Mezcal margaritas are available on the market, but you can also make your own at home using fresh fruit and ingredients. No matter how you decide to enjoy it, this beverage is sure to add a unique dash to any evening.
So if you are looking for a unique and interesting beverage to try, then Mezcal is definitely one to consider. It has a unique flavor that you won’t find in any other alcohol, and you will be sure to enjoy its health benefits as well. So why not give it a try today? You never know. It might become your favorite drink. But don't forget to always drink responsibly!