Mezcal

What is Mezcal?

Mezcal is a strong spirit made by distilling fermented agave, a succulent plant native to the Americas. Over thirty varieties of agave can be used, giving mezcal a wide range of flavors. The drink is clear or golden in color and often has a noticeable smoky aroma and taste, along with sweet, fruity, and earthy notes. It is typically bottled at 40–55% alcohol by volume and is most often served straight.

Where does Mezcal come from?

Mezcal's roots trace back to colonial Mexico, where indigenous fermentation traditions met distillation techniques brought from the Philippines. Early Filipino settlers introduced simple stills, which local communities adapted for agave spirits. The Spanish colonial authorities tried to suppress local liquors, but mezcal production survived by moving to remote areas and using wild agave. While some suggest pre-colonial distillation, evidence for this is uncertain.

How is Mezcal made?

To make mezcal, agave plants are harvested and their central core is cooked, often in underground pits or clay ovens, to develop flavor. The cooked agave is then crushed, and the juice is left to ferment. The fermented liquid is distilled, sometimes using traditional clay or wooden stills, or more modern copper ones. The process can vary, with some mezcals made entirely by hand using age-old methods.

How and when is Mezcal eaten?

Mezcal is usually sipped neat, without mixers or ice, to appreciate its complex flavors. In Mexico, it is often enjoyed socially or during meals, and sometimes paired with orange slices or traditional snacks. It is popular both locally and abroad, especially in the United States and Japan.

Kinds of Mezcal

Mezcal is made from many different agave species, each lending its own character. Tequila is a well-known type of mezcal made only from blue agave. There are also distinctions in production: some mezcals are made with modern equipment, while others are crafted using traditional or ancestral methods, which affect the taste and texture.

What Mezcal means

Mezcal holds a special place in Mexican heritage and is protected by an Appellation of Origin. Most mezcal comes from Oaxaca, and its production is regulated to preserve traditional methods. The drink is increasingly exported and has become a symbol of Mexican culture, celebrated for its artisanal roots and regional diversity.

Questions people ask about Mezcal

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Mezcal: the mystical drink with its own culture and traditionThe Guardian, Article

• Mezcal on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data