What is the difference between Tequila and Mexcal?

Question

of course other than the obvious...

Answer 1

Tequila comes from a specific region of Mexico (Jalisco, around the town of Tequila) and it's distillation, aging, labeling etc. must meet certain standards by Mexican law. Also, Blue Agave grown in that region must be used in making Tequila, mezcal can use any agave.

Also, Tequila is always double-distilled, while mezcal is (generally) only distilled once.

Not all mezcal has a worm in it but the most famous brand, Gusano Rojo Mezcal does. That is most famous brand to Gringos anyway, not sure what the most famous brand of mezcal would be to Mexicans

Answer 2

Mezcal is made in the ground: it has a dark, aromatic body with overtones of wood fire, smoke, that plies between gasoline in the cheap brands and an elegant sweetness in the premium brands. It is rich, sultry and full of earhty flavours.

Tequila is made above ground; the best brands in hornos, the poorer in autoclaves. The autoclaves and rushed production techniques rob tequila of its passion, but a traditional brand has a delicate, almost fruity nose that mezcal lacks. It has a fine agave body and sometimes a hint of oak.

Both are best sipped straight, not mixed, but sometimes matched with alternating sips of sangrita as a chaser.

Answer 3

Never heard of Mexcal, but Tequila made me sick.. hahah, it was a good kick to the mix, but the mix didn't necessarily 'mix'. Never had tequila in my drinks after that.. lol

Answer 4

I was going to answer this question, but Rockin' already did. That is the correct response.

It's mainly a difference in region, and subsequently the agave plant used. The difference is similar to Cognacs and Brandys. Same recipe, different region, and thus slightly different taste.

Answer 5

mezcal is a type of tequila, it has a worm in it though

Answer 6

mezcal has a worm in the bottom, tequila doesnt, i know, i drink it all

Answer 7

Gonna have to give Rockin' a thumbs up...he's right on.