Mezcal vs tequila worm books

And the gusano blanco, the white caterpillar, transforms into the aegiale hesperiaris butterfly a. A complete guide from agave to zapotec is a wonderful dissertation on the production and consumption of mezcal, a mexican spirit which has become increasingly popular in the u. First, theres tequila, most commonly consumed as a shot with salt and lime to defang the bite. Most mezcal, however, is left untouched, allowing the flavors of the agave used to come forward. While its mostly a marketing tactic to help boost sales, its also pretty interesting. The worm turns messing with the mystique of mezcal the economist. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. A bit of a bummer, we know, but let it be a sign of an undesirable beverage. Mexican crafts beers that are way better than corona but, adds jimenez, the process for creating mezcal requires a bit more. By law, only liquor distilled from the blue agave and produced in designated areas can be classified as tequila.

It is the production process that allows these two wonderful spirits to have completely different flavours. Apr 11, 2017 but few are familiar with another popular mexican drink, mezcal. The difference between tequila, mezcal, and pulque. Almost everyone answers that its smoky but that doesnt really get to the heart of mezcal. Today, they are distinct products, differentiated by the production process and taste, much the same way rye whisky differs from scotch whiskey. All tequila is mezcal, but all mezcal is not tequila. Here are some lessons from the agave road to help you understand what exactly makes mezcal mezcal, why some crystalclear bottles will run you three digits at the liquor store, and how to navigate the spirits mysteries along the way. While traditionally, all tequilas were known as a type of mezcal. Barrio the everythings better with mezcal feature on the menu subs in mezcal as the base spirit for any classic cocktail. Within the category there are other agave distillates including tequila, mezcal both a category and a subcategory, sotol which we covered a few weeks and another agave based spirit called. Jun 10, 2019 mezcal is the smokier, hotter cousin of tequila. Tequila is more refined than mezcal that is called a country cousin of tequila tequila bottle never has a worm inside while in some bottle of mezcal, one can find live worm that is believed to give aphrodisiac powers when eaten. Dec 18, 2007 sofia comes from a family of storytellers. People began to believe that finding one of these tequila worms was a sign of luck.

Next time im at margarita monday, ill definitely be able the explain all the differences between mezcal vs tequila. Tequila and mezcal are two different kinds of liquors from mexico. Mezcal and tequila are both fermented beverages made from the agave plant however, they do have a few differences. The mezcal worm has one definite purpose, to impart flavor of worm into the. From the plant used, to the production process, to the actual taste, these two liquors are each pretty unique. Remember even if mezcal was the same 80 proof40% alcohol as tequila, it would be more intense because of the boldness of the allowed agaves, including wild agave. A mezcal worm is an insect larva found in some types of mezcal produced in oaxaca, mexico.

Apr 17, 20 barrio the everythings better with mezcal feature on the menu subs in mezcal as the base spirit for any classic cocktail. Why is there a worm in tequila mezcal and tequila worm effects. The differences between tequila and mezcal, explained. Mezcal traditionally has a very unique, smoky flavor that makes it fairly easy to distinguish from tequila. Some words of advice if you do go shopping for mezcal. Mezcal is related to tequila, but not as well known outside of mexico, which is why the worm in tequila myth started. However, because juice of agave plants is used in making both tequila as well as mezcal, people remain confused between these two products. Tequila and mezcal are taking over drink menus and backbars from coast coast.

Heres a breakdown of the two popular mexican spirits, tequila and mezcal. Generally speaking worms would be found in a drink called mescal or mezcal same thing, and not in tequila. This worm is actually the larva of a moth referred to as a gusano. Its mezcal a complete guide from agave to zapotec is a wonderful dissertation on the production and consumption of mezcal, a mexican spirit which has become increasingly popular in the u. The difference is that tequila can only be made, by law, from blue agave plants. Anyone can drink mezcal but it takes intelligence to enjoy mezcal for everything wrong and for everything right mezcal mezcal for everything wrong and for everything right for everything wrong mezcal. Over 40 of the best cocktails for tequila and mezcal.

Sep 26, 2014 the best how to butcher a deer video ever, by the bearded butchers at whitefeather meats. Whether youre just old enough to drink or have been at it for years, chances are youve heard of the worm that lives at the bottom of mezcal bottles. Tequila can only be produced in the state of jalisco, mexico and four very limited areas of four other states. Experts discuss the wellness benefits of this artisanal agavebased spirit compared to tequila, plus how to buy and drink it for maximum health cred. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be produced in any region of mexico, and can be made from any species of agave, not just blue. Not all bottles of mezcal contain the famous worm actually a larva that can infest maguey plants, but if added, it is added during the bottling process. These days, most premium mezcal doesnt contain a worm, but the invertebrate remains something of a cultural icon. Tequila is a type of mezcal, much like how scotch and bourbon are types of whiskey. Close on its heels is its smokier cousin, mezcal, which saw sales increase from.

The absolutely true diary of a parttime indian meets jane the virgin in this poignant but often laughoutloud funny contemporary ya about losing a sister and finding. Mescal vs tequila difference between mescal and tequila. This is the claim that all wormusing mezcal producers make. Tequila is a type of mezcal, but the reverse isnt always true. Unfortunately, it was all bad mezcal, and mezcal became known as a bad spirit with a worm in it.

Will the smoky artisanal spirit go the way of tequila. The uninitiated may think that some bottles of tequila have worms in the bottom, but experienced tequiladrinkers know that its actually mezcal, a similar mexican. The most noticeable difference between the two lies at the bottom of the bottle. Not all bottles of mezcal contain a worm actually the larva of a moth, hypopta agavis, that can infest agave plants, but if added, it is added during the bottling process. The white worm is a larva of the beetle scyphophorus acupunctatus. The actual practice of placing the worm in mezcal wasnt even initiated until 1950 when it was put into practice in order to help mask the taste of a poorlymade spirit. Depending on the color of the critter lounging at the bottom of some mezcal bottles, the gusano is an edible caterpillar from either a moth or a butterfly the red worm comes from larva from the comadia redtenbacheri or hypopta agavis moth. Mar 17, 2020 both tequila and mezcal are best served neat at room temperature. According to anthony dias blues complete book of spirits, that worm is actually a. The larva is usually either a gusano rojo red worm or a chinicuil maguey worm, the caterpillar of the comadia redtenbacheri moth. If its in your tequila, its just a stunt and isnt traditional at all, so maybe get yourself some real tequila. Mezcalsthe type of alcohol are made from the agave plant, so technically mescal and tequila fall under the same category of liquor.

Here are her tales of growing up in the barrio in mcallen, texas, full of the magic and mystery of family traditions. So theres mezcal the type of alcohol, as is how its made, and then theres mescal the brand. Tastessence provides a sidebyside comparison between mezcal vs. There are conflicting stories as to why such a thing would be added. Listen to the full mezcal vs tequila podcast, as well as reading the full article and companion notes below in this mezcal vs tequila episode. Mezcal has a complicated, bolder and rougher flavor profile overall, and is not as smooth as tequila. Both spirits are made by distilling the agave plant, but while mezcal can be made from a blend of one of 250 types of the cactuslike succulents, to be classified as tequila, a bottle must be at least 51% blue agave agave tequilana the higher the percentage of blue agave, the finer the bottle. Its a common urban legend that tequila comes with a worm in the bottle. Mezcal is a liquor similar to tequila, not surprising considering that both mezcal and tequila are made of the agave plant, also known as maguey.

Tequila worm find how to best experience tequila for. Tequila worm by kirk adams, released 20 november 2018 tequila worm dont look at me i know whats on your mind tequila worm dont talk to me its been. The worm turns messing with the mystique of mezcal. There are two types of worms you can find in mezcal. Both tequila and mezcal are made from distilling the fermented juice of the agave plant. Liberty ask and you shall receive a tasting of three to five types of mezcal. As engrained in our popular culture as the worm in the tequila bottle. Sure, many mezcals do have a smoky character, some of them dont have any, but all of them are much more than just one note spirits. John mcevoy, the blogger of mezcal phd, offers an interesting and informative introduction to mezcal, one leavened with history, humor, and insight. Next, mezcalonce a worminfused souvenir from a gift shop in. Mar 27, 2018 17 books that should be on everyones list. Its similar to the distinction between champagne and sparkling wine, in which the name of the beverage depends on whether it. This was the reputation of mezcal for some 50 years. If you are looking for a bottle with a worm, dont look for it in a bottle.

Contrary to popular belief, a true tequila does not contain a worm. In 1999, when mankind had successfully mapped the surface of the moon, venus, and mars, there were still sections of borneo that man had nothing to say about other than all elevations unknown. Mezcal is a distilled spirit made from the agave plant, which is also how we get tequila. It is primarily a marketing gimmick to help boost sales, especially in the united states and in asia. The worm and how it set mezcal back 50 years mezcal phd.

Oh, by the way, the legend that a bottle of mezcal always contains a worm is simply colorful marketing shtick. Mezcal can be grown in 8 states but mostly comes from oaxaca. The author offers a charming account of the amazing blue agave plant, the essential ingredient in tequila, outlines the growing, harvesting and manufacturing process, makes comparisons with other agavederived drinks such as mescal, relates the agave and tequila to the social history of mexico, and dispels many myths about tequila its not. Try one of these nine tequila and mezcal cocktails for yourself. The best how to butcher a deer video ever, by the bearded butchers at whitefeather meats. Tequila is mostly produced in factories, but most if not all good mezcals are. And though many prefer to drink them neat or as shooters, they can add something special to drinks with fruit, peppers or even chocolate. Oct 12, 2012 the regulations also forbid mezcal producers to make tequila, and tequila producers cannot produce mezcal.

While tequila bottles have nothing in the bottom, some mescal bottles have a stowaway in the bottom yes, im talking about the worm or the gusano. Mexico produces 50 times more tequila, a type of mezcal made only from blue agaves, than it does. The worm turns messing with the mystique of mezcal the. Who invented tequila and whats the deal with the worm. It takes years to make tequila or mezcal as agave takes eight to twelve years to grow some plants can take up to 20 years, therefore it should be sipped and properly appreciated. Feb 18, 2019 tequila is always mezcal, but mezcal isnt always tequila. Agave is not a cactus and belongs to the family of lily. Made from more than 30 types of agave tequila is only made from oneblue agave and cooked in a covered underground pit that gives it that smoky. Jun 12, 2018 what is mezcal, hows it different from tequila, and what bottles should you try. But theres definitely some distinctions between the two. Mezcal what is it and why is it better than tequila. Mezcal is related to tequila, but not as well known outside of mexico, which is why the worm in tequila myth started there are two types of worms you can find in mezcal. May 01, 2016 theres some debate surrounding the purpose of those little moth larvae, and we are here to address all possible answers to one of lifes most important questions. This book was written around 70 ad so there is some ancient.

Thanks to shaker and spoon for sponsoring this video. Feb 14, 2007 exactly the opposite, mezcal can be made from any of a number of agave varieties, and is cooked outdoors under ground, thus the smoky flavor, vs tequila in copper tequila is from only the blue agave and from jalisco only. Much like whiskey is a main category of any spirit distilled from grain, mezcal is the main category of any spirit distilled from agave. Quotes about mezcal that are relevant, true, humorous and some with a touch of genius. Mezcal is not as smooth as tequila, as it is generally distilled only once while tequila is distilled twice. In the 1940s, a distiller named jacobo lozano paez found that leaving the worms in his mezcal changed the flavor. Tequila can only use one type of agave, is steamed inside an industrial oven, and distilled two or three times in copper pots, he says. Understanding mezcal is a lifeswork by renowned agave expert jay schroeder that, for the first time in print, puts all the pieces of the mezcal puzzle in one place. Today, you may still find that worma caterpillarfloating in some of the least expensive bottles. Learn the difference between mezcal and tequila, the. The worm were all thinking of actually belongs in a bottle of mezcal, tequila s huskier, smokier cousin tequila has to be at least 51% blue agave, but mezcal can be made from any variety of. These larvae are called gusano and bottles of mezcal that contain. Tequila and mezcal are rooted in a rich handcrafted tradition reaching back centuries.

You can blame agave for endless fun nights and all the drunken texts you never meant to send. The tequila worm or as it should be known as the mezcal worm is normally. The groundbreaking book aims to serve as an encyclopedia of the mezcal world, examining the. The relationship between mezcal and tequila is similar to that of whiskey and scotch. Why is there a worm in mezcal and what is the purpose of it. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Mezcal is quite similar to tequila, but there are some basic differences between the two. Jul 23, 2009 in mexicos backcountry, you seldom encounter tequila. Jun 15, 2016 there is a worm larvae in some poor quality mezcals because a marketer in the 1950s decided that it would be a good way to bring the attention of tourists to mezcal. Tequila is often enjoyed as a shot, but it really shouldnt be you can hardly call it enjoyable.

Tequila worms to eat or not to eat that is the question. It also tends to taste sweeter, or richer, than tequila. So, all tequilas are also mezcal, but no mezcal can be tequila by law. Tequila bottles do not contain a worm or gusano only some mezcal bottles. Mezcal may also contain a worm larvae at the base of the bottlethis is a ploy only concerned with marketing and does not alter the taste. Whether sipped neat or served in a margarita, tequila is one of americas favorite spirits and its on the rise. In 2017 some 5m litres of mezcal were sold in mexico and abroad. If you ever see a worm at the bottom of the bottle, that means its probably. Perhaps the bestknown and most loved uses for agave are tequila and mezcal.

In mexicos backcountry, you seldom encounter tequila. Most mezcals are made from the espadin agave, although some mezcal producers blend agave varieties to create a distinct flavor. There are conflicting stories as to why a worm would be added. Some call mezcal the nasty rough cousin of tequila. Mezcals most distinguishable characteristic is its strong smoky flavor. Next, mezcalonce a worminfused souvenir from a gift shop in cancun, now on the menu of every trendy cocktail bar and exclusively described with the hackneyed adjective smoky. According to spirits writer john mcevoy, mezcal is defined as any agavebased liquor. George clooneys attraction to agave spirits isnt the first time that mezcal and tequila have had their brush with stardom. Instead, you find bootlegged hooch and the firm belief that it will raise a mans soul to its true height. Few understand the difference between tequila and mezcal, and many dont even know there is a difference.