Mezcal is Tequila's slightly less well known cousin, fans of agave based drinks knowing the difference but I very much thought they were just the same with a different name.
It turns out they are in fact different!
Tequila, which is very popular alongside salt and lime, is made exclusively from the blue agave plant (agave tequilana).
According to Food & Wine, the plant is typically steamed inside of industrial ovens before being distilled two or three times in copper pots.
Mezcal is a little more down to Earth, with it being reported that it is classically cooked inside earthen pits lined with lava rocks and filled with wood and charcoal before being distilled in clay pots.
But despite these differences, it is widely reported that tequila is actually a type of mezcal (with it being defined as any agave based spirit).
Similarly to how whiskey (or whisky depending on where you are) is the category of both Scotch and Bourbon.
But the question is, can you taste the difference?
I don't particularly think so.
I tried three different mezcals (with one identifying quite clearly as a tequila) and this what I thought:
El Toro Tequila - £16.99
You can get this 70cl bottle of tequila blanco from Aldi here.
At 38% ABV it certainly packs a punch and I think it's perfect for shots or making cocktails at home.
I quite liked this Tequila and think it's a great base for any tequila based drinks and with it being clear it doesn't alter the colour of your drink drastically.
Rating: 3/5
El Recuerdo Abocado con Gusano - £35.95
This mezcal is quite traditional with a smoked note being present, it pairs best with a fruit juice based cocktail I found.
It's really smooth and doesn't have an overpowering sweetness which I think will work well neat and for fans of a less sweet drink.
This particular type is often serves as a digestif so it's perfect for impressing your friends with at your next dinner party, you can get your own bottle through Master of Malt here or over on Amazon here.
Rating: 3/5
Zignum Reposado - £41.95
This mezcal is the richest in colour with it spending eight months maturing in white oak barrels.
Unlike some brands of mezcal, it doesn't have a smoked flavour and instead is slightly on the sweet side.
I think this is perfect for cocktails as it has sweet notes throughout or can work well with a mixer, when my mezcal loving friend last visited she was absolutely blown away with this one.
She said it was one of the best that she'd ever tried, you can get your own bottle through Master of Malt here or over on Amazon here.
At 40% ABV it's certainly strong but the rich flavour is one I appreciate and will definitely be leaning for whenever I want a cocktail.
Rating: 4/5
