{"id":24939,"date":"2018-08-06T08:27:51","date_gmt":"2018-08-06T15:27:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gifts.com\/blog\/?p=24939"},"modified":"2018-08-06T08:30:15","modified_gmt":"2018-08-06T15:30:15","slug":"mezcal-vs-tequila","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gifts.com\/blog\/mezcal-vs-tequila","title":{"rendered":"Mezcal vs. Tequila: What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

From coast to coast, people are getting excited about mezcal, the smokier alternative to tequila. Enjoyed by itself or mixed into a cocktail, this agave-based alcohol has become extremely popular in the past few years. Since tequila is considered to be a type of mezcal, you\u2019ve most likely already experienced this flavorful drink in one way or another. From how it\u2019s made to how it\u2019s served, mezcal is a versatile distilled alcohol that is easy to enjoy. Keep reading to learn more about this unique spirit!<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Mezcal?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Originally made in Mexico, mezcal is the official name for any agave-based liquor<\/strong> with an alcohol content ranging from 40 to 55 percent. Mezcal is made in only nine specific regions of Mexico, including Oaxaca, Durango, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Puebla, Michoaca and Zacatecas. <\/span><\/p>\n

Mezcal vs. Tequila<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"mezcal<\/a><\/p>\n

As the saying goes, \u201cAll tequilas are mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequila.\u201d<\/strong> While both share similar qualities, they also have several differences that make them easy to tell them apart! Differences include the type of agave each drink is made with and what region they are produced in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tequila<\/h3>\n

Tequila is made using only blue agave, a succulent which takes about eight years to mature. Quality tequila has a smooth, subtle taste.<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost all tequila is produced mostly in Jalisco and in smaller designated areas of four other Mexican states, including <\/span>Michoacan, Guanajuato, Nayarit and Tamaulipas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mezcal<\/h3>\n

Mezcal can be made from a variety of agave plants, including Blue Agave. Espad\u00edn is the most common type of agave used in mezcal production. It is known for its signature smokey flavor, and tends to be sweeter than tequila.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mezcal is primarily produced in Oaxaca, though it is also made in Puebla, Durango, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas and Tamaulipas.<\/p>\n

Types of Agave Used in Mezcal<\/h2>\n

\"types<\/a><\/p>\n

Mezcal can be made using either one type of agave or a combination of different types, as long as the blend is 100% pure agave with no added fillers. The flavor is described as smoky, sweet and earthy depending on the agave used. <\/span>The varieties of agave that are used the most for mezcal are:<\/span><\/p>\n