What is mezal?

Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. It is produced mostly in Mexico, particularly in the state of Oaxaca, although it can also be found in other parts of the country. Mezcal is often compared to tequila, but they are not the same. Tequila is a type of mezcal made specifically from the blue agave plant and is produced in specific regions of Mexico.

Mezcal can be made from a variety of agave plants, including wild agave, and is typically made through a traditional process that involves roasting the agave hearts in underground pits, mashing the cooked agave, and then fermenting and distilling the resulting liquid. This process can take several days to complete.

Mezcal has a distinctive smoky flavor and is often consumed straight or in cocktails. It is also commonly served with worm salt, a mixture of ground dried worms, salt, and chili powder, which is used to enhance the flavor.

Mezcal production is regulated by the Mexican government to ensure quality and authenticity. There are several different mezcal classifications, including joven (young), reposado (rested or aged), and añejo (aged). The age of mezcal is determined by the amount of time it spends in oak barrels before bottling.