Mezcal 101: Agave Varieties, Smoke, Terroir & How It Differs From Tequila

🔥 SPIRIT 101: MEZCAL

Mezcal is the parent category that tequila belongs to — and it is infinitely more complex. While tequila is made from one agave variety in a handful of states, mezcal can be made from over 30 varieties of agave across nine Mexican states. It is one of the most terroir-driven spirits in the world.

Tequila vs. Mezcal — The Key Differences

All tequila is mezcal — but not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila can only use Blue Weber Agave. Mezcal uses dozens of agave varieties. Tequila piñas are typically cooked in above-ground ovens. Mezcal piñas are traditionally roasted in underground earthen pits — that's where the signature smoke comes from. Tequila is mostly produced in Jalisco. Mezcal is produced primarily in Oaxaca, but also in Durango, Guerrero, and other states.

Agave Varieties — What They Mean for Flavor

Espadín: The most common mezcal agave (over 80% of production). Familiar, accessible, slightly smoky. Del Maguey Vida is made from Espadín. Tobalá: A wild agave that grows slowly and is rarely cultivated. Complex, fruity, floral. Much rarer and more expensive. Tepeztate: Takes up to 25 years to mature. Intensely complex and herbal. Arroqueño: One of the largest agave varieties — earthy, full-bodied. Bacanora: A specific agave spirit from Sonora — technically not mezcal, but in the same family. Kilinga Bacanora is an example reviewed on this show.

Reading a Mezcal Label

NOM: The official distillery registration number. Two mezcals with the same NOM come from the same distillery. Joven: Unaged mezcal (the equivalent of blanco tequila). Reposado: Rested 2 months to 1 year. Añejo: Aged over 1 year. Single Village: Comes from one specific community — Del Maguey pioneered this labeling as a quality signal. Ensamble: A blend of two or more agave varieties.

🎯 LC Connoisseur Scale

Beginner: Del Maguey Vida (Espadín), Montelobos, Banhez. Intermediate: Corte Vetusto (reviewed on this show),Putaendo Tobalá, Wahaka Espadín. Advanced: Vago Espadín en Barro, rare Tepeztate or Tobalá expressions, Bacanora from Kilinga.