Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal
Tequila and mezcal are two popular drinks enjoyed across the world. Both of them are distilled alcoholic drinks and it is very easy to confuse them with each other. For those who like to know to know the origins and uniqueness of what they are drinking, it is important to differentiate between these two. These two drinks may seem similar but are actually very different, particularly in their preparation method. The similarity between them is that they are both extracted from the distilled juice of the agave plant.
Simply put, tequila is actually a type of mezcal. Mezcal is a broad term for a variety of liquor drinks which include tequila. Hence, the term mezcal is used for any drink that is made from the agave plant. Within the family of mezcal, tequila is the one made in the state of Jalisco in Mexico, this means tequila is differentiated on account of its place of production. Mezcal on the other hand, can be produced anywhere.
The process of the production of mezcal and tequila also differ. Tequila is made from the pina of the Agave plant. Pina is known as the heart of the plant because of its pineapple like appearance. The pina is steamed before distillation before being used for tequila; however, for other varieties of mezcal, the pina is roasted in an underground pit.
This difference in the method of production results in a difference of taste as well. For other mezcal varieties, the flavor is very smoky and heavy because of the roasted pina. In case of tequila, the flavor is very refined. The steamed pina results in a less smoky taste. It is worth mentioning that while mezcal may be made from any variety of the Agave plant, tequila can only be made from the blue agave plant. Thus, the requirements for the production of tequila are much stricter than mezcal.
Instructions
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Mezcal:
Mezcal is an alcoholic beverage made from the pina of the Agave plant. Mezcal is produced in Mexico and is a distilled liquor. The pina of the plant is roasted , giving the drink a smoky flavor. There are many varieties of mezcal and tequila is one of them.
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Tequila:
Tequila is a variety of mezcal, made by steaming the pit of the Agave plant. Tequila can only be made from the blue agave plant and its production is restricted to the Jalisco state of Mexico.
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