By Jonathan Lockwood
In the last several years mezcal has positively exploded in popularity. Not only in the US, but throughout the world. Funny thing? Until about 5 or 6 years ago, it wasn’t especially popular among Mexicans here in San Miguel either! But that, my Sanmiguilense friend, is no longer the case. There are at least 5 local bars focused on mezcal–and many more with a fine selection.
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal refers to any distillation of an agave plant. People always ask what the difference is between mezcal and tequila. Tequila is mezcal–made from the Blue Weber variety of agave. But mezcal is made from many different varieties. No one knows for sure how many, but it may well be made from as many as 50. But while tequila is normally mass-produced, many small mezcal producers still make it the same way as it was 300 years ago. The flavor profile of mezcal varies widely depending on the agave variety. It can be earthy, woody, spicy, fruity, grassy, or even funky, with flavors ranging from citrus to barnyard floor and even bleu cheese.
A Brief History of Mezcal
“Mezcal” comes from the Nahuatl word mezcalli, meaning place of agave. Most historians believe mezcal was first made in the 16th century when the Spanish introduced distillation to Mexico. Initially consumed in rural areas, mezcal’s popularity grew, especially in Oaxaca, where about 65% of it’s produced today. Over time, its artisanal production methods remained mostly unchanged.
Why Mezcal's Popularity Has Surged
One reason for this surge is a cultural shift toward authenticity. Many see it as a spirit with deep cultural roots and traditional methods of production. Personally, I find interest primarily in drinking mezcal straight. Of course cocktail enthusiasts have really embraced the spirit too. It’s estimated that (in the US) nearly 70% of mezcal actually ends up in craft cocktails, poured into a range of innovative drinks from mezcal margaritas to smoky negronis. Whether straight or in a cocktail, mezcal offers a unique experience. If you haven’t yet given it a “shot”, now’s the perfect time to dive into this fascinating and flavorful spirit.
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