Why is there a worm in Mezcal and what is the purpose of it?

Answer 1

You probably think this is some ancient Mexican tradition, right? Not unless your idea of ancient is 1950. We even know who invented the practice. Various reasons are given for it, but I say it all boils down to: Let's see if we can get the gringos to eat worms.

First let's get a few things straight. There's no worm in tequila, or at least there isn't supposed to be. Purists (hah!) say the worm belongs only in a related product, mescal. Strictly speaking, mescal is a generic term meaning any distillate of the many species of agave (or maguey) plant, tequila included. Today, however, mescal is popularly understood to mean a product bottled in the region around the city of Oaxaca. For years this stuff was basically home-brewed firewater consumed by the locals, but in 1950, Mexico City entrepreneur Jacobo Lozano Paez hit on the idea of putting a worm in each bottle as a marketing gimmick. Stroke of genius, eh? I don't get it either, but that's what separates us from the visionaries.

The critter in question is the agave worm, which is actually a butterfly larva. The worms bore into the agave plant's pineapplelike heart, and quite a few get cooked up in the brew used to make mescal. Far from being grossed out, Jacobo concluded that the worm was an essential component of the liquor's flavor and color. He may also have figured, Hey, mescal is about as palatable as paint remover, and the only people who are going to drink this stuff are macho lunatics, so why not take it to the max? In fairness, the worms were also said to have aphrodisiac properties, and worms and bugs are sometimes consumed in Mexico as a delicacy. (Supposedly this dates back to the Aztecs.) At any rate, the ploy worked and the worm in the bottle is now a firmly established tradition.

The genuine agave worm is a bright coral color, which fades to pink in the bottle. Some bottlers substitute a species of white worm that lives in the leaves of the agave plant. Connoisseurs complain that the white worm isn't as tasty as the red one, which to me is like complaining that your soup contains the wrong species of fly. To me the whole thing seems pretty silly. I've had a sip or three of mescal in my day, and my feeling is, if you want to get sick, who needs a worm?

Answer 2

Mezcal Worm

Answer 3

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NONE .... Many myths surround the popularity of the tequila worm. First, you won’t find it in a bottle of just any tequila. Its final resting place is actually in mezcal. Legends that surround the tequila worm include its magical powers that can impart strength to the consumer. Some claim it to be hallucinogenic or an aphrodisiac. In fact, the tequila worm was not introduced into mezcal production until the 1950s - as a marketing gimmick - and has no historical Mexican claims or fantastic properties. The tequila worm is perfectly safe to eat.

Answer 4

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Why is there a worm in Mezcal and what is the purpose of it?

Answer 5

I always heard that Mezcal is like Bourbon, Champaine and Cognac that it is a location specific name. It's all tequilla but only tequilla from that region can be called Mezal. As for the worm, the story that EggMan gave you sounds about right. A cute little thing to get more denero from us gringos and gringas

Answer 6

just because the mezcal comes from the maguey.the maguey has worms just like a leaf would have a caterpillar.and you do drink the worm if you want, many people do. it dont get you sick or anything cuz if it did they wouldnt put it in the bottles.

Answer 7

YOU GOTTA EAT THE WORM! Then you'll be extremely drunk, just do it.